Enhancing Bladder Cancer Treatment: The Power of Combined Therapies
Enhancing Bladder Cancer Treatment: The Power of Combined Therapies
Mahdi Abbasi,1,*Ali hajiaghababaee,2Fatemeh Bayat Sarmadi,3Amirreza Ghafourian,4
1. Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2. Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 3. Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 4. Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Introduction: Bladder cancer, ranking among the most prevalent and aggressive urinary malignancies, presents significant therapeutic challenges. Although current standard treatments, which include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, have been pivotal in managing the disease, they often exhibit variable response rates, coupled with potential adverse effects. Given the complex landscape of bladder cancer therapy and the persistent limitations of monotherapeutic approaches, there is a pressing need to explore and understand innovative combination therapies. This review delves into the potential of evolving realm of synergistic approaches in bladder cancer therapy.
Methods: To assemble the information presented in this review, a thorough search was conducted on reputable databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. The primary focus was on identifying articles pertaining to combination therapies for bladder cancer, encompassing radiation therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Searches were refined to include recent publications and prioritize those with open-access full-text availability. A meticulous examination of relevant studies enabled the extraction of pertinent information for integration into this overview.
Results: The exploration uncovers a spectrum of synergistic approaches aimed at redefining bladder cancer treatment. By fusing radiation therapy with the immune-enhancing effects of immunotherapy and the cytotoxic potential of chemotherapy, researchers orchestrate a multifaceted assault on bladder cancer cells. Preclinical studies and early-phase clinical trials underscore the promise of this approach. The convergence of chemotherapy's cytotoxic action and immunotherapy's immune-activating properties offers a dual-pronged strategy for therapeutic amplification. However, the challenge lies in optimizing the sequence, dosing, and managing potential toxicities of these dual therapies. Moreover, strategic pairing of targeted therapies, such as FGFR inhibitors, with immunotherapy addresses the molecular heterogeneity of bladder cancer, capitalizing on specific genetic alterations prevalent in bladder cancer, such as FGFR3 mutations. While promising, tackling resistance mechanisms remains paramount for achieving optimal efficacy.
Conclusion: The burgeoning potential of combination therapies for bladder cancer treatment, backed by robust preclinical and clinical evidence, stands as a pivotal advancement in the field. As the therapeutic landscape continues to transform, precision medicine's role in guiding combination strategies is pivotal. The synergy of multifaceted interventions holds immense promise in expanding treatment horizons for bladder cancer.