Bladder Cancer
Advanced bladder cancer treatment
The bladder is a muscular, balloon-shaped sac that stores urine before it leaves the body. The wall of the bladder is made up of several layers of cells. Bladder cancer typically starts in the cells inside the bladder wall. Over time, the cancer may grow outside the bladder — spreading to nearby lymph nodes, or other parts of the body.
The urologic oncology team at the Weill Cornell Medicine Meyer Cancer Center at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital is experienced in the treatment of both non-invasive and invasive bladder cancer, aiming to preserve your bladder whenever possible while providing the most effective therapies. Our goal is to destroy the tumor while preserving your quality of life as much as we can.
Care for invasive bladder cancer
Invasive bladder cancer can be very aggressive and has a high risk of spreading, and often requires a combination of treatments. Our team members collaborate to treat patients with invasive bladder cancer. In many cases, we are able to preserve their bladders for some time — and in some instances, permanently.
Minimally invasive bladder cancer surgery
If you need a partial or radical cystectomy (surgery to remove part or all of your bladder), we have the expertise to perform this procedure in a minimally invasive manner, often using robotic surgery, which gives the surgeon an enhanced view of the surgical field and allows for more precise surgery. Our urologic surgeons are highly experienced in performing the latest robotic bladder cancer procedures. NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist is home to the most advanced robotic surgery systems.
Complex bladder reconstruction
When the bladder cannot be saved, our urologic surgeons perform bladder reconstruction. To replace the bladder, we can create a "neobladder" (an internal bladder made from a portion of the intestine) or a "continent reservoir" (an internal bladder storage reservoir that can be drained by passing a small tube through an opening in the abdomen).
Chemotherapy & immunotherapy
Our medical oncologists may recommend intravesical therapies (immunotherapy or chemotherapy placed directly into the bladder) or intravenous therapies (given by vein) for bladder cancer. We offer immune-boosting therapies such as nivolumab and pembrolizumab in our infusion center. We oversee every aspect of your care to ensure it is as effective and comfortable as possible.