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We Treat All Stages & Types of Bladder Cancer

Recent advances in therapeutic options have improved outcomes for many patients. A growing understanding of the molecular causes of bladder cancer has led to a significant increase in clinical trials. Our bladder cancer treatment in Irvine includes:

  • Urothelial Carcinoma or Transitional Cell
  • All variants of bladder cancer
  • Locally advanced bladder cancers (spread to lymph nodes or organs around the bladder)
  • Urothelial Carcinoma or Transitional Cell
  • All variants of bladder cancer
  • Locally advanced bladder cancers (spread to lymph nodes or organs around the bladder)
Cancers we Treat - What we Do

What We Do

  • Target the tumor
  • Leave surrounding fragile healthy tissues including heart, lungs, lymph nodes and any other affected organ untouched
  • Improve the effectiveness of radiation and/or systemic therapy

About Bladder Cancer

Urothelial carcinoma, previously referred to as transitional cell carcinoma, is the most common urinary tract cancer and is observed in ~90% of cases. Variants including squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, small cell carcinoma, and carcinosarcoma collectively account for ≤10% of urinary tract tumors.
Risk factors for bladder cancer can include exposure to environmental cancer-causing agents, many of which are found in industrial and textile factories. Smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other tobacco products also increases risk.

Treatment Options for Bladder Cancer

Depending on the stage at diagnosis, our bladder cancer treatment in Irvine can include options such as surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and hyperthermia. Molecular studies to detect certain mutations are increasingly important for prognosis and treatment decisions. Like so many other cancers, the initial stage correlates strongly with the risk of recurrence, as well as the choice and outcome of treatments. The earlier bladder cancer is diagnosed, the more likely it can be cured.

How Does Hyperthermia Therapy Work?

The application of ultrasonic heat to a tumor can have numerous positive effects on cancer cells. The targeted heat generated during hyperthermia treatment disrupts cell membranes and increases blood flow to the tumor, making the tumor more sensitive and vulnerable both to your body’s natural immune defenses and to other cancer therapies. When paired with other cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, hyperthermia therapy increases the likelihood of a complete response to cancer treatment.
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What are the Major Benefits Of Hyperthermia?

  • One study showed that, when combined with radiation therapy, hyperthermia increases the likelihood of disease-free survival 10 years after treatment of bladder cancers by 250%
  • Increases blood flow to tumors creating a high-oxygen environment, which makes radiation therapy work better
  • Allows for chemotherapy to penetrate deep into the center of the tumor where it otherwise has difficulty reaching
  • Can stimulate an immune response reaction within the tumor, improving the body’s ability to fight cancer

Does Hyperthermia Helps Treat Bladder Cancers?

Hyperthermia can be added at any time to any plan for bladder cancer treatment in Irvine. Optimally, hyperthermia treatment is initiated as soon as the patient begins receiving radiation therapy or chemotherapy. For all patients, the goal is to select the right therapies to yield the best outcome with as few side effects as possible.
Hyperthermia often has no or minimal side effects, and has no known adverse impact on normal tissue. Adding hyperthermia can maximize the effectiveness of your therapeutic regimen without putting sensitive surrounding organs at risk.

Selected Hyperthermia and Bladder Cancer Studies

We understand that researching cancer treatment can be overwhelming. It can be hard to find information that you can trust. Our cancer center in Irvine has selected some studies from trusted sources below for your perusal.

  • Long-term outcomes of a randomized controlled trial comparing thermochemotherapy with mitomycin-C alone as adjuvant treatment for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer
  • Phase I/II trial of preoperative thermoradiotherapy in the treatment of urinary bladder cancer
  • Comparison of radiotherapy alone with radiotherapy plus hyperthermia in locally advanced pelvic tumours: a prospective, randomized, multicentre trial
  • The role of hyperthermia as a treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer
  • A systematic review of regional hyperthermia therapy in bladder cancer
  • Hyperthermia for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer

Makes Your Cancer Treatments As Effective As Possible

We at HCI understand how difficult a cancer diagnosis can be. Our driving force is to improve the quality and length of each patient’s life. Because proactive, early adoption of hyperthermia is much more effective, we encourage anyone who needs to undergo cancer treatment to contact us right away. For more information on how our cancer center in Irvine can help, reach out to our patient care team today.