A Texas resident, James Stewart, has become the first patient in the state to receive a new treatment for bladder cancer, which has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This innovative therapy, known as Inlexzo, offers a new hope for patients who have not responded to traditional treatments.
Stewart, an active 39-year-old known for his love of rollerblading and paddle boarding, first noticed something was wrong when he detected blood in his urine. Initially, doctors attributed his symptoms to an enlarged prostate, given his young age. After a series of tests, including a CT scan, it was revealed that Stewart had bladder cancer. He underwent surgery to remove tumors, one of which was the size of an egg, followed by the standard immunotherapy treatment known as Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). Unfortunately, this treatment was painful and ultimately ineffective, leaving Stewart with ongoing tumors.
Faced with the possibility of a bladder removal and living with a urostomy bag, Stewart opted instead to participate in the Inlexzo trial, becoming the first patient in Texas to do so. Inlexzo is a chemotherapy treatment administered via a catheter, allowing the medication to remain in the bladder for three weeks, slowly releasing its therapeutic effects. After the first three months of treatment, Stewart has shown no evidence of cancer, according to Dr. Carl Bischoff of Urology Austin.
Innovative Treatment Options and Costs
Inlexzo boasts an impressive 82% complete response rate during treatment, meaning patients show no signs of cancer, and a 51% complete response rate after more than a year. In comparison, BCG has a recurrence rate of approximately 40%. The cost of Inlexzo treatment can reach around $900,000, a factor that complicated Stewart’s insurance approval. Despite these challenges, Urology Austin successfully obtained coverage for Stewart.
This new treatment is specifically designed for patients who have failed BCG therapy and for whom bladder removal is not ideal due to age or lifestyle. Dr. Bischoff expressed optimism that as more patients utilize Inlexzo, costs could decrease, potentially making it a first-line treatment option.
Understanding Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer predominantly affects men over the age of 65, with only around 25% of cases occurring in women, often post-menopause. Smoking remains the leading risk factor, along with exposure to certain chemicals and frequent catheter use. It’s important for individuals to understand the signs of bladder cancer, which may include:
– Blood in the urine
– Frequent urination
– Pain or burning during urination
– A feeling of urgency shortly after urinating
– Difficulty urinating or a weak stream
– Frequent nighttime urination
– In advanced cases: Lower back pain, swelling in the feet, fatigue, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss.
Stewart continues to maintain an active lifestyle during his treatment, supported by friends and family. “I try to stay positive as best I can,” he said, underscoring the importance of mental resilience in the face of health challenges. As new treatments like Inlexzo emerge, patients like Stewart may find renewed hope in their fight against bladder cancer.