What is the main method of treatment for invasive bladder cancer?

The primary treatment for invasive bladder cancer is radical cystectomy, which involves the surgical removal of the entire bladder along with some surrounding tissue and, in some cases, adjacent lymph nodes. This approach is favored because it directly addresses the tumor by removing it entirely, which is critical for controlling and potentially curing the disease. Invasive bladder cancer can permeate the bladder wall and potentially metastasize, making this comprehensive surgical approach necessary to achieve the best outcomes.

While adjuvant therapy options like chemotherapy and radiation therapy play a significant role in the management of bladder cancer, particularly in non-invasive cases or as palliation, they are usually not the first line of treatment for invasive cancer where surgical intervention can provide a more definitive solution. Transurethral resection, although important for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancers, does not adequately treat or remove invasive tumors. As a result, radical cystectomy remains the cornerstone of treatment for invasive bladder cancer, significantly improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.