Urothelial carcinoma refers to cancer that grows on the mucosa of the urinary system (renal collecting system, ureters, bladder), and the most common symptom is usually hematuria.
The primary treatment for urothelial carcinoma is surgical resection. However, if it has already invaded surrounding tissues or organs at the time of diagnosis, or has already metastasized distantly, surgical resection is usually not feasible.
For urothelial carcinoma with invasion of surrounding tissues or organs or distant metastasis, the standard treatment for many years has been chemotherapy.
Regardless of the treatment response, after undergoing a course of chemotherapy, doctors can only arrange close follow-up for patients to check whether the tumor is growing or relapsing.
International medical research has found that after patients receive chemotherapy, if they continue with immunotherapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors (Avelumab, Bavencio), it can significantly prolong the survival time of patients.
Generally, compared to chemotherapy, patients receiving immunotherapy are usually more relaxed with fewer side effects.
However, it is still necessary to pay attention to side effects such as pancreatic function, thyroid function, itching rash, gastrointestinal discomfort, etc.