Penn Medicine specialists provide expert bladder cancer treatment
Treatment for bladder cancer can be complex—what is most effective varies from person to person. That’s why specialists at Penn Medicine consider every option for treating bladder cancer. Each of our doctors specializes in a specific cancer treatment area, such as radiation oncology, and subspecializes in bladder cancer. This level of expertise is uncommon and allows us to create treatment plans specific to your unique needs and diagnosis.
How is bladder cancer treated at Penn Medicine?
Every person’s experience with bladder cancer is uniquely their own, and we believe your care should reflect that individuality. At Penn Medicine, we develop customized treatment plans that are carefully tailored to your overall health, as well as the specific type of bladder cancer you have, whether it’s non-muscle invasive or invasive. Our approach is collaborative—we work closely with you to determine the most effective treatment plan that addresses your unique needs. This plan may include one or more of the following treatment options, all designed to offer the best possible outcomes for your situation.
Support services for bladder cancer
Your Penn Medicine care team is committed to supporting you through every phase of your bladder cancer journey. From the moment you receive your diagnosis to exploring treatment options, through recovery and beyond, we’re here to ensure you receive the highest level of care and attention.
Our comprehensive approach goes beyond medical treatment, encompassing a wide array of programs and services designed to address the physical and emotional challenges that accompany a bladder cancer diagnosis. We understand that this journey impacts not just you, but your loved ones as well, which is why we offer resources tailored to meet the needs of your entire support system.
Whether you need help navigating the complexities of your treatment, managing side effects, or finding emotional and psychological support, our dedicated team is here to guide you every step of the way. Your overall well-being is our top priority. Our services include:
- Patient education
- Nutritional counseling
- Counseling for patients and families
- Hospice care
- Palliative care
- Pet therapy
- Home care services
- Stress management
- Support groups
The Penn Medicine advantage: Innovative bladder cancer treatments
Our team of bladder cancer experts brings exceptional knowledge and skill to the procedures and therapies that lead to better outcomes. We offer access to the newest treatments, including advanced surgeries and innovative clinical trials.
Our bladder cancer program also features:
- Highly trained experts: Our bladder cancer specialists have received the highest level of training in urologic oncology, the field focused on treating bladder cancer. They’re skilled in reconstructive procedures to create new, functioning bladders if bladder removal, called a cystectomy, is needed. Their surgical expertise leads to better results for our patients.
- Unmatched experience: Our bladder cancer program treats a large number of patients annually. Research indicates that high-volume programs benefit from greater expertise and achieve better outcomes. Our extensive experience also equips our specialists to handle the most challenging cases.
- 24/7 care for treatment side effects: While lifesaving, cancer treatments can sometimes cause serious side effects. To help you get through cancer treatment safely, we provide urgent care and same-day appointments through our Oncology Evaluation Center.
- Bladder cancer clinical trials: When eligible, our patients can join one of our many bladder cancer clinical trials. These trials include those aimed at preserving the bladder and new radiation techniques. Our radiation oncologists are researching how radiation treatment affects quality of life and new ways to know if treatment is working. These studies give patients access to emerging treatment options when standard therapies don’t work.
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.