Rescue Therapy for Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer (BCa) is a complex urological malignancy that arises from the lining of the bladder wall. It ranges from early-stage, non-muscle-invasive tumours to more advanced, muscle-invasive cancers. Even in the early-stages, BCa has a propensity to recur and progress. We refer this group of patients as high-risk bladder cancer, particularly those who have not responded to standard treatments like BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) therapy.  Rescue therapy offers a crucial alternative.

At Singapore General Hospital’s High-risk Bladder Cancer Clinic, our Rescue therapy involves a combination of gemcitabine and docetaxel administered sequentially directly into the bladder. This approach aims to control cancer progression and preserve the bladder, potentially avoiding more invasive surgical options. Retrospective studies have shown that 60% of patients are able to achieve disease-free state and preserve their bladder.

Treatment Regime:

• Induction: Weekly treatments for 6 weeks
• Maintenance: Monthly treatments for up to 24 months

Recovery after bladder cancer surgery is a crucial phase in your treatment journey. Most patients experience minimal side effects such as urinary frequency and urgency. You are encouraged to hydrate adequately after the instillation. If you experience fever or significantly lethargy, please seek advice from your urologist. Following the instillation, you will need regular cystoscopic evaluation to ensure that the cancer has not recurred. Your surgeon will provide further post-operative instructions and follow-up care as necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is eligible for rescue therapy?
Rescue therapy is typically considered for patients with high-risk, non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer who have not responded adequately to BCG therapy or are unable to tolerate it. Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis by our multidisciplinary team.

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