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Urology (Expert Forum)
Last Straw for Uncle Michael;Please hurry!
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
Last Straw for Uncle Michael;Please hurry!
by Sara__0__0, Mar 15, 1999 12:00AM
My 62 year old Uncle has Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder.
Surgery was attempted to remove the tumor to no avail. A scan
was performed following radiation therapy in the hopes that the
tumor had shrunk and surgery to remove would be more successful.
Unfortunately, the cancer spread to the liver and lungs. He was given
3-5 months and told that chemotherapy would only prolong his life
by double that (maybe) but would cause him alot of discomfort.
He lives in England and has no medical coverage that would work in the
States. He is obviously very dear to us and we would like to do
anything we can to try and save him. Is there anywhere we could
try (clinical trial; alternative therapy) that would change the
prognosis or is this about all there is? We appreciate any direction
you can give us. Thank you.
Surgery was attempted to remove the tumor to no avail. A scan
was performed following radiation therapy in the hopes that the
tumor had shrunk and surgery to remove would be more successful.
Unfortunately, the cancer spread to the liver and lungs. He was given
3-5 months and told that chemotherapy would only prolong his life
by double that (maybe) but would cause him alot of discomfort.
He lives in England and has no medical coverage that would work in the
States. He is obviously very dear to us and we would like to do
anything we can to try and save him. Is there anywhere we could
try (clinical trial; alternative therapy) that would change the
prognosis or is this about all there is? We appreciate any direction
you can give us. Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS M.D.-CK, Mar 15, 1999 12:00AM
_
Dear Sara,
Metastatic bladder cancer is difficult to cure. Various chemotherapy regimens can be tried to improve survival. In addition to improving survival control (palliation) of symptoms can be a goal. Local radiation to areas of cancer spread can be given to alleviate pain. A medical oncologist can help to coordinate these efforts.
This information is provided for general medical information purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. More individualized care is available through our department at the Henry Ford Hospital and its suburban locations (I-800-653-6568).
Sincerely;
HFHS M.D.-CK
* Keyword: metastatic bladder cancer
