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.
This cancer is also a common problem in pet dogs. The type found in dogs is mainly the high grade type. Dogs are usually noted to have urinary obstruction symptoms as the first sign at which time the disease is usually advanced. The commonest histological type is known as transitional cell carcinoma. Fortunately, there are treatment modalities that can be used when the disease is identified early. Studies conducted in dogs have been the main source of data on the disease.
Some factors have been shown to predispose to the condition. Among the most important is smoking which contributes to more than a third of the cases according to results of study done in the UK in the year 2010. Smokers are four times more likely to contract the condition than the non-smokers. The risk is highest in chain smokers.
Persons who work in some industries such as those that deal with dyes and rubber are at a particularly increased risk. This occupational risk has been known since as far back as the nineteenth century but it took close to 50 years to be proven scientifically. Amines found in the dyes have been shown to be highly carcinogenic. The common ones 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.
This cancer is also a common problem in pet dogs. The type found in dogs is mainly the high grade type. Dogs are usually noted to have urinary obstruction symptoms as the first sign at which time the disease is usually advanced. The commonest histological type is known as transitional cell carcinoma. Fortunately, there are treatment modalities that can be used when the disease is identified early. Studies conducted in dogs have been the main source of data on the disease.
Some factors have been shown to predispose to the condition. Among the most important is smoking which contributes to more than a third of the cases according to results of study done in the UK in the year 2010. Smokers are four times more likely to contract the condition than the non-smokers. The risk is highest in chain smokers.
Persons who work in some industries such as those that deal with dyes and rubber are at a particularly increased risk. This occupational risk has been known since as far back as the nineteenth century but it took close to 50 years to be proven scientifically. Amines found in the dyes have been shown to be highly carcinogenic. The common ones 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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