Intravesical chemotherapy using heat energy in patiens with urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder
Abstract
Major statement: The authors present an overview on intravesical termotherapy using heat energy in treatment of patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Furthermore, their own experience with this method is presented.
Intravesical chemotherapy currently represents an alternative treatment in patiens with high risk non-muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma failing other intravesical treatment or refusing radical cystectomy. Substitution of BCG instillation during BCG shortage represents another indication.
Currently, there are long-term data on chemohyperthermia Synergo available (heat energy applied to bladder wall using radiofrequency). Termotherapy is a new method connecting warming up of the chemotherapy agent and its recirculation inside the bladder.
Better cell penetration is achieved in both systems. Both methods have not become standard clinical practice yet.
In this overview article, a single site experience with both procedures is presented.