What is the success rate for radiation bladder cancer?
Radiation therapy can be a successful treatment for bladder cancer, and its effectiveness depends on several factors such as the stage and location of the cancer, the overall health of the person, and the specific radiation therapy techniques used. Here's an overview of the success rates for radiation therapy in bladder cancer:
1. Radical Radiation Therapy (RT) for Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC):
- In cases where the cancer is limited to the inner layer of the bladder (superficial or NMIBC), radical RT can achieve high success rates.
- The 5-year survival rate after radical RT for NMIBC can be as high as 80-90% for low-risk tumors and 60-70% for intermediate-risk tumors.
2. Post-Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT) RT for NMIBC:
- For patients who have had their bladder tumors removed through TURBT, adjuvant RT may be recommended to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
- The 5-year recurrence-free survival rates following TURBT and adjuvant RT can range from 65-80%.
3. Preoperative Radiation Therapy for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer (MIBC):
- In certain cases of MIBC, radiation therapy may be given before surgery (radical cystectomy) to shrink the tumor and improve surgical outcomes.
- The 5-year survival rates after preoperative RT and radical cystectomy can range from 50-65%.
4. Definitive Radiation Therapy for MIBC:
- For patients with MIBC who are not suitable for surgery or have refused it, definitive RT can be used as the primary treatment.
- The 5-year survival rates following definitive RT alone for MIBC can be around 30-40%.
It's important to note that these are general estimates and individual patient outcomes may vary depending on various factors. Success rates can also vary based on the specific radiation therapy techniques used, such as conventional 2D radiotherapy, intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), or proton therapy, which offer improved accuracy and sparing of healthy tissues.
Your radiation oncologist will be able to provide you with more personalized information about the expected success rates and potential side effects based on your specific situation and the recommended radiation therapy approach.