Bladder cancer

Purpose of review This article reviews recent advances in the diagnosis and management of bladder cancer. Recent findings Bladder cancer is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Recent research has attempted to improve the care of patients with this disease, Evidence suggests that bacillus Calmette-Guerin is the most effective intravesical therapy for the treatment of superficial bladder cancer and that maintenance therapy is superior to an induction course alone. In patients with muscle-invasive disease, nodal status and extent of lymphadenectomy have been shown to correlate with survival after radical cystectomy. The role of chemotherapy in the treatment of bladder cancer continues to evolve as well. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has recently demonstrated a survival benefit, and trials are ongoing to define the optimal regimen of chemotherapy for urothelial carcinoma. Summary Improved understanding and advancements in the management of all stages of bladder cancer continue to improve the care of patients with this disease.