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I have muscle-invasive bladder cancer

Bladder-sparing treatment

Bladder-sparing treatment offers an alternative to removing the bladder in certain cases of muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Learn how a combination of therapies can preserve bladder function while treating the cancer effectively.

Related topics for further reading

Living with bladder cancerOther resources on bladder cancer

Bladder-sparing treatments help treat bladder cancer without removing the bladder. These treatments are not as common but can work well for some patients. They usually involve a combination of treatments, including surgery to take out the tumour known as transurethral resection of the bladder tumour (TURBT), radiation to target cancer in the bladder, and chemotherapy to kill cancer cells that may have spread.

The main goal is to treat the cancer while keeping the bladder working. Research shows that these treatments can be effective for certain patients. However, about one in three people may still need to have their bladder removed if the treatment does not work.

This chapter contains general information about bladder-sparing treatment. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance on your individual medical situation.

Last updated: May 2025

Other possible treatments

Removal of the bladder (cystectomy)Urinary diversions after cystectomyBladder-sparing treatment

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