Multidisciplinary Approach in Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer

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A team-based approach that includes input from a surgeon and medical oncologist is essential for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer, Dean F. Bajorin, MD, notes. A multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer appears to increase the percentage of patients receiving neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy, according to study.

In some situations, patients may not receive treatment due to comorbidities; however, in many situations, neoadjuvant chemotherapy may not be administered simply due to a lack of education on the topic, Evan Y. Yu, MD, mentions. Data from experiences at the Thomas Jefferson University have demonstrated that the multidisciplinary approach results in better outcomes in patients with prostate cancer, moderator Daniel P. Petrylak, MD. This finding is pertinent for the integration of multidisciplinary approaches into evolving managed care and payment models.