Intravesical Therapy for Bladder Cancer

Intravesical therapy is a specialized bladder cancer treatment that delivers medication directly into the bladder through a thin catheter. Because the medication is placed exactly where it is needed, it can effectively treat cancer cells while minimizing exposure to the rest of the body. At Urological Associates of Savannah, we use intravesical therapy to treat certain forms of bladder cancer, reduce the risk of recurrence, and help preserve bladder function whenever possible.

This treatment is commonly recommended after a tumor has been removed during a transurethral resection of a bladder tumor (TURBT). By targeting any remaining cancer cells inside the bladder, intravesical therapy can lower the chance that cancer will return or progress.

What Is Intravesical Therapy?

Unlike chemotherapy or immunotherapy that is given through an IV and travels throughout the body, intravesical therapy places medication directly inside the bladder. A small, flexible catheter is inserted through the urethra, allowing the medication to fill the bladder where it comes into direct contact with the bladder lining.

Because the medication remains localized, many patients experience fewer whole-body side effects than they would with intravenous treatments. Depending on your diagnosis, your urologist may recommend immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or another bladder-specific medication as part of your treatment plan.

What It Treats

Intravesical therapy is primarily used to treat non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), which is bladder cancer that has not spread into the muscle wall of the bladder. It is often recommended for patients who:

• Have newly diagnosed non-muscle invasive bladder cancer
• Have experienced a recurrence after previous bladder cancer treatment
• Have tumors that carry a higher risk of returning
• Need additional treatment following surgical removal of a bladder tumor (TURBT)

Your physician will determine whether intravesical therapy is appropriate based on the stage, grade, and risk level of your bladder cancer.

Internal Link Opportunity: Link non-muscle invasive bladder cancer to the Bladder Cancer diagnosis page.

What the Treatment Involves

Intravesical therapy is performed in the office and typically does not require anesthesia or a hospital stay. During your appointment, a small catheter is gently inserted into the bladder through the urethra. The prescribed medication is then placed into the bladder, and the catheter is removed.

Patients are usually asked to hold the medication in the bladder for approximately one to two hours before emptying their bladder. Your care team will provide detailed instructions about activity, hydration, and any precautions to follow after treatment.

Treatment is commonly given as a series of weekly sessions over several weeks. Depending on your diagnosis and response to therapy, additional maintenance treatments may be recommended over the months or years that follow to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Every patient’s treatment schedule is individualized based on the type of bladder cancer, pathology results, and overall health.

Medications Used for Intravesical Therapy

Several medications may be used during intravesical therapy depending on your diagnosis and treatment goals. Common options include:

• BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin): An immunotherapy that stimulates the body’s immune system to attack bladder cancer cells.
• Mitomycin C: A chemotherapy medication that helps destroy cancer cells within the bladder.
• Adstiladrin®: A newer gene therapy option approved for certain patients with high-risk, BCG-unresponsive bladder cancer.

Your urologist will discuss which medication is most appropriate based on your individual condition, previous treatments, and overall treatment goals.

Internal Link Opportunity: Link to the Advanced Bladder Cancer Treatments page for more information about BCG, Mitomycin, and Adstiladrin.

What to Expect During Recovery

Most patients tolerate intravesical therapy well and are able to return to their normal daily activities shortly after treatment. It is common to experience temporary side effects such as:

• Mild burning during urination
• Increased urinary frequency or urgency
• Mild bladder discomfort
• Small amounts of blood in the urine
• Fatigue for a short period after treatment

These symptoms usually improve within a day or two. Drinking plenty of fluids after treatment can help reduce irritation and flush the bladder.

Your provider will also give you instructions for safely handling your urine during the first several hours after treatment, particularly when certain medications are used.

If you develop a fever, chills, severe pain, heavy bleeding, or symptoms that persist longer than expected, contact your healthcare provider promptly, as these could indicate a more serious reaction requiring medical attention.

Follow-Up Care

Ongoing monitoring is an important part of bladder cancer treatment. Even after successful therapy, bladder cancer can recur, making regular follow-up appointments essential.

Your care team will schedule periodic cystoscopies, urine testing, and imaging when appropriate to evaluate your response to treatment and detect any recurrence as early as possible. Following your recommended surveillance schedule gives you the best opportunity for successful long-term management.

Why Choose Urological Associates of Savannah?

At Urological Associates of Savannah, our experienced urologists provide comprehensive bladder cancer care, from diagnosis through long-term surveillance. We develop personalized treatment plans based on the type and stage of your cancer while using the latest evidence-based therapies to help achieve the best possible outcomes.

If you’ve been diagnosed with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer or have experienced a recurrence, our team is here to guide you through every step of your treatment and answer your questions along the way.