Bladder
cancer research has helped in the formulation of newer and more
effective treatment options for the condition. Treatment modalities are
more targeted because the pathogenesis of the condition is now well
understood. Currently, there are a number of other ongoing studies that
are aimed at improving on the existing ones. Some of the areas that have
generated interest include precipitating factors, epidemiological
characteristics and aetiology among others.
There are a number of therapies that have been established thanks to the studies. One of the newest treatments is gene therapy. In gene therapy, modification of the genetic make-up is used to destroy cancerous cells and to stop their growth. The treatment is highly selective and avoids the side effects associated with conventional treatments. Other forms of treatment that are now being considered include laparoscopic robotic surgery, personalised chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
In one of the studies carried out recently, it has been shown that the prevalence of bladder cancer stands at about 400,000 in the United States alone. Close to 6,000 new diagnoses are made every year. The mortality rate is very high for the aggressive, high grade carcinoma. Fortunately only a small number of people have these aggressive forms. It is important that signs and symptoms are identified early to halt progress.
The condition has also been seen in dogs and has been extensively studied. Among dogs, the commonest type is the high grade type which typically presents with urinary obstruction. If not diagnosed in time, the tumour rapidly causes death. A number of treatments are in different stages of development. So far, the results from trials involving treatment of transitional cell carcinoma among the canines have been very promising.
There has been a certain trend as regards the most significant risk factors. Smoking remains the greatest contributor at about 35% with just a slight difference in the rates for men and women according to a 2010 study done in the UK. By smoking, you increase the risk by as much as 400%. The heavier one smokes, the greater the risk.
Another huge risk factor is occupational exposure. Persons that work in dye and rubber industries have been shown to be at a greater risk compared to the general population. The relationship between dyes has been known from as beck as the nineteenth century but it was not until the 1950s that it was scientifically proven. The components that have been shown to be harmful include benzidine and naphthalene.
Besides the amines, there are several other drugs, medical procedures and conditions which have been shown to increase the risk. The drugs phenacetin and cyclophosphamide are some of the well known carcinogens. The medical procedure known to cause an increase is irradiation of the pelvic organs which is often required in treatment of testicular cancer and cervical cancer.
For the benefits of bladder cancer research to be fully appreciated, one needs to be organised. All the data should be entered into a database. Matching the patient response to treatment to their biodata is used to assess the treatment effectiveness. Since some studies may require files to be stored for decades, it is important to identify a secure location.
There are a number of therapies that have been established thanks to the studies. One of the newest treatments is gene therapy. In gene therapy, modification of the genetic make-up is used to destroy cancerous cells and to stop their growth. The treatment is highly selective and avoids the side effects associated with conventional treatments. Other forms of treatment that are now being considered include laparoscopic robotic surgery, personalised chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
In one of the studies carried out recently, it has been shown that the prevalence of bladder cancer stands at about 400,000 in the United States alone. Close to 6,000 new diagnoses are made every year. The mortality rate is very high for the aggressive, high grade carcinoma. Fortunately only a small number of people have these aggressive forms. It is important that signs and symptoms are identified early to halt progress.
The condition has also been seen in dogs and has been extensively studied. Among dogs, the commonest type is the high grade type which typically presents with urinary obstruction. If not diagnosed in time, the tumour rapidly causes death. A number of treatments are in different stages of development. So far, the results from trials involving treatment of transitional cell carcinoma among the canines have been very promising.
There has been a certain trend as regards the most significant risk factors. Smoking remains the greatest contributor at about 35% with just a slight difference in the rates for men and women according to a 2010 study done in the UK. By smoking, you increase the risk by as much as 400%. The heavier one smokes, the greater the risk.
Another huge risk factor is occupational exposure. Persons that work in dye and rubber industries have been shown to be at a greater risk compared to the general population. The relationship between dyes has been known from as beck as the nineteenth century but it was not until the 1950s that it was scientifically proven. The components that have been shown to be harmful include benzidine and naphthalene.
Besides the amines, there are several other drugs, medical procedures and conditions which have been shown to increase the risk. The drugs phenacetin and cyclophosphamide are some of the well known carcinogens. The medical procedure known to cause an increase is irradiation of the pelvic organs which is often required in treatment of testicular cancer and cervical cancer.
For the benefits of bladder cancer research to be fully appreciated, one needs to be organised. All the data should be entered into a database. Matching the patient response to treatment to their biodata is used to assess the treatment effectiveness. Since some studies may require files to be stored for decades, it is important to identify a secure location.
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