Bladder Cancer Treatment: Immunotherapy

Bladder cancer remains a significant health concern, and immunotherapy has emerged as a groundbreaking treatment modality. Immunotherapy enhances the body's immune system to fight cancer cells effectively.

Understanding Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy works by targeting specific proteins and pathways in cancer cells to boost immune response. The most common types include immune checkpoint inhibitors and Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) therapy.

Types of Immunotherapy for Bladder Cancer

Checkpoint Inhibitors: Drugs such as Atezolizumab and Pembrolizumab block PD-L1 proteins to prevent cancer cells from evading immune response.
BCG Therapy: A type of intravesical immunotherapy that stimulates immune cells to attack bladder cancer.

Benefits and Limitations

Immunotherapy can improve survival rates and offer an alternative to chemotherapy for certain patients. However, side effects such as immune-related adverse reactions and fatigue must be considered.