Patrick Linson, MD, MPH, DABR
Bladder cancer
Bladder-preserving radiation therapy and research
Dr. Linson’s Patient Resource and Education Library
Bladder cancer
Consultation preparation, education and support resources for this diagnosis.
← All patient resourcesPreparing for Your Consultation
To make the consultation as useful as possible, the care team may need the following information before scheduling. Requirements vary by diagnosis and should be confirmed with the office.
- Referral: Provider referral or self-referral
- Medical records: Recent urology and oncology notes, cystoscopy and operative reports, treatment history—including records of any previous radiation therapy—and a current medication list.
- Imaging: Relevant images and radiology reports.
- Pathology: Bladder tumor pathology report and, when requested, slides or tissue information.
- Other information: Photo ID, insurance cards, and identification cards for any implanted electronic devices.
Please have the referring office confirm that required records were received before the consultation is scheduled.
Patient Education Materials
Patient Education & Research
Bladder-Preserving Radiation Therapy
A coordinated alternative to bladder removal for selected muscle-invasive bladder cancers.
← Back to diagnosis resourcesOverview
Bladder-preserving treatment commonly combines a maximal transurethral resection of the bladder tumor with radiation therapy and radiosensitizing chemotherapy. This is often called trimodality therapy.
Whether bladder preservation is appropriate depends on the cancer stage and location, completeness of tumor resection, bladder function, kidney function, overall health and ability to receive chemotherapy and complete close follow-up. A coordinated evaluation by urology, medical oncology and radiation oncology is essential.
Treatment is followed by regular cystoscopy, imaging and other surveillance. Persistent or recurrent invasive cancer may require salvage cystectomy. The studies and guidelines below provide evidence and current clinical context for this approach.
Research and Clinical Guidelines
Important: This information is for patient education only and does not replace an individualized recommendation from the care team.
Other Helpful Resources
Practical guidance and updates will be added over time.