Is it necessary to treat bladder cancer lung metastasis?

Bladder cancer lung metastasis may still require treatment, with treatment goals including prolonging life, relieving symptoms, and improving quality of life. Common treatments include systemic drug therapy (such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy), local therapy (such as surgical resection or radiotherapy of separate lung lesions), and comprehensive management (such as supportive care and psychological help).

1) Choice of systemic treatment

Bladder cancer lung metastasis is usually treated with chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Chemotherapy drugs such as gemcitabine combined with cisplatin are conventional combinations for bladder cancer and can be used for patients with extensive lesions or other poor treatment effects; while immune checkpoint inhibitors (such as pembrolizumab) are hot drugs in recent years. They can eliminate cancer cells by enhancing the body's immune system and are suitable for some patients with strong immune systems. For specific drug selection, a plan should be formulated under the guidance of a professional oncologist.

2) Possibility of local treatment

If the number of lung metastases is small and the patient's physical condition allows, surgical resection of the lesions may be considered. If surgery is not an option, stereotactic radiotherapy (such as SBRT) is a precise radiation therapy that can focus high doses of radiation to the lesion area, thereby reducing the spread of cancer cells; this method is suitable for patients with limited lung metastases who are stable in other parts of the body.

3) Support and comprehensive management

For patients who cannot tolerate intensive treatment, supportive treatment can be chosen, including controlling cancer pain, improving dyspnea, enhancing nutritional status, etc., to improve the quality of life. At the same time, the importance of psychological treatment cannot be ignored. Tumor psychological intervention or support groups can help patients and their families cope with physical and mental stress together.

The necessity of treatment after bladder cancer lung metastasis needs to be comprehensively judged based on the patient's physical condition, lesion range and personal wishes. Although the cure rate may be low, the above treatment methods can still play a positive role. It is recommended that patients communicate in depth with oncologists and develop personalized treatment plans.