REVIEW PAPER
Bladder cancer in geriatric patients
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1
Marciniak Hospital, Wrocław, Poland (Urology Department)
2
Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland (Faculty of Medicine)
Online publication date: 2025-09-01
Corresponding author
Tomasz Michalik
Dolnośląski Szpital Specjalistyczny im. Tadeusza Marciniaka, Oddział Urologii i Onkologii Urologicznej, ul. Fieldorfa 2, 54-049 Wrocław
HIGHLIGHTS
- Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers among geriatric patients.
- Treatment of geriatric patients with bladder cancer requires the involvement of the multidisciplinary team of specialists (including urologists, oncologists and geriatricians).
- With the development of urological oncology, minimally invasive treatment methods have been introduced, such as trimodal therapy.
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ABSTRACT
Bladder cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers, especially in older people. Bladder cancer belongs to urothelial carcinomas, which can also occur in other parts of the urinary tract (also at the same time). The most common symptom of bladder cancer is hematuria. Bladder cancer treatment is largely based on surgery. Not all patients (due to comorbidities) will benefit from surgical treatment (especially in the case of radical cystectomy). Appropriate geriatric assessment of patients is crucial when qualifying for surgery. The aim of this article was to indicate the best management of a multimorbid geriatric patient with bladder cancer. The authors presented current knowledge and discussed interdisciplinary approach. The literature review included scientific articles that form the new standards and current guidelines of the European Association of Urology. Geriatric patients with bladder cancer require greater specialist involvement and multidisciplinary care. During qualification for treatment, close cooperation between urologist, oncologist, geriatrician, and other specialists is necessary. Due to the complex therapeutic process, not all patients will be able to follow all recommendations. Personalized medicine allows for the selection of the most appropriate therapeutic option. Further research is also needed on less invasive treatments, such as trimodal therapy, which includes transurethral resection of the bladder tumor, systemic chemotherapy, and external beam radiation therapy – especially for patients who are not eligible for radical treatment. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2025;76(3)