Treatment Overview
Transitional Cell Carcinoma, typically, cannot be cured, but it can be managed through a variety of treatment options with both conventional and holistic treatments. Use the links below to explore the various options.
I created this Study Summary to help research different treatment protocols that are discussed on this site. It has links to each treatment study as well as the Clinical Benefit %, Progression Free Interval, Median Survival Time and comments that include side effects.
Be aware that each study is made of different patient populations in terms of their individual disease stage and other health conditions (some with newly diagnosed dogs versus last resort treatments). Also, dosages in these studies may be different from what your veterinarian is recommending. Use these studies as information to help formulate questions for your veterinarian and explore treatment options.
Cats with TCC: Here is a study from 2018 that is specific to cats with TCC. There are very few studies with cats and this one seems to be the most current.
Medical
Frequently, bladder cancer is found in the trigone area of the bladder which is not a location that can be surgically removed. NSAIDs or cox inhibitors are often the first line of treatment as well as different intravenous and oral chemotherapy agents.
Holistic/Supplements
A variety of supplements can be used to manage symptoms and help the immune system in it’s fight against the cancer. There are not many studies supporting all of the various options, but they are worth exploring. The list of options range from CBD oils, Chinese herbs, Mushroom extracts, etc.
Radiation
Older radiation protocols were often ineffective and had significant side effects. As newer technologies are being used, studies have shown some efficacy for radiation being used to shrink the tumor and/or improve clinical symptoms using IM/IGRT, Palliative protocol, SRT, Brachytherapy.
Clinical Trials
Often new treatment options are found through clinical trials as researchers investigate new protocols. This page lists the clinical trials for TCC throughout the country. Generally, most costs for the clinical trial are absorbed by the trial sponsor with reduced costs for the pet parent.
Surgery
Bladder cancer found outside of the trigone area of the bladder has the potential to be removed via partial or complete Cystectomy or Laser Ablation. Urethral stents are sometimes used as a palliative measure to open ureters to aid the flow of urine through the tumor.
Managing Side Effects
Maintaining a high quality of life for your pet is the most important aspect in the TCC journey. Whether the side effects are from the treatment or the cancer, suggestions for managing side effects will be covered in this page in order to proactively discuss this with your veterinarian.