What Researchers Did
Researchers reviewed studies conducted in Australia and New Zealand since 1968 to evaluate and improve treatments for invasive bladder cancer, focusing on radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery.
What They Found
The review found that radiosensitizers, including hyperbaric oxygen and misonidazole, did not provide additional benefit in increasing radiotherapy effectiveness and could lead to toxicity without improving tumour control. Radiotherapy was established as an appropriate treatment for most patients, many of whom are elderly and have other health problems. Neither pre-emptive chemotherapy with cisplatin nor elective total cystectomy showed a survival advantage over radical pelvic radiotherapy, stage for stage.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients with invasive bladder cancer, this early research suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy may not enhance the effectiveness of radiotherapy as a radiosensitizer and could introduce additional side effects. Radiotherapy remains a primary treatment option, especially for elderly patients with co-existing health conditions. Patients should discuss all treatment options, including surgery and chemotherapy, with their oncology team to determine the most suitable approach.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
This review synthesizes research from 1968 onwards, meaning its findings may not reflect current advancements in bladder cancer treatment and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.