UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center

Metastatic Bladder Cancer Treatment

For patients whose cancer has spread beyond the bladder to adjacent organs, lymph nodes or bones (known as metastatic bladder cancer), our care team works closely with them to prevent cancer progression, control symptoms and manage pain.

At the University of Chicago Medicine, we use the latest treatments to manage metastatic bladder cancer, including those available through clinical trials.

Chemotherapy

Combination chemotherapy — the use of multiple chemotherapy agents — is the ideal, first-line treatment for patients with metastatic bladder cancer.

Bladder cancer is said to be "chemo-sensitive" and responds well to the drugs. Chemotherapy is used to slow progression, control symptoms, inhibit growth and prolong survival. Additionally, newer chemotherapy drugs are less toxic and cause fewer side effects. 

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a rapidly emerging option for patients with metastatic disease. Newer immunotherapy treatments and research are exploring bladder cancer therapies designed to trigger the immune system to fight against the cancer.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy — applying high-energy radiation to tumors — can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy for symptom control and pain management. Our highly skilled radiation oncologists administer radiation therapy, and will work with your medical oncology team to determine if this option is right for you.

Clinical Trials

UChicago Medicine physicians and scientists work side-by-side performing research to discover novel therapies and alternative treatment options for metastatic bladder cancer.

We are investigating advanced immunotherapies for metastatic cancer and are researching new, targeted anti-cancer agents that are designed to attack specific abnormalities at the molecular level. Our work includes genomic testing to personalize treatments based on each patient’s distinct genetic make-up and the unique genetic abnormalities present in their cancer.

Learn more about our bladder cancer research and clinical trials.

Medical oncologist Kenneth Cohen, MD, pointing to a computer and talking with a patient

Cancer Care Second Opinions

Request a second opinion from UChicago Medicine experts in cancer care.

researcher in cancer lab

Participate in a Bladder Cancer Clinical Trial

UChicago Medicine bladder cancer experts are actively conducting clinical trials of new and promising treatments.

Request an Appointment for Cancer Care

We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, leading to delayed response times. For faster assistance, please call 1-855-702-8222 to schedule your appointment.

If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

For Referring Physicians

To refer a patient for cancer care, please call UCM Physician Connect at 1-800-824-2282. 

 
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By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.