Chemotherapy Can Trigger Bladder Irritation & Symptoms
Some chemotherapeutic medications can trigger bladder wall irritation and IC symptoms, particularly the oral medications cyclophosphamide, busulfan and ifosfamide. Some bladder therapies for bladder cancer can also trigger more intense bladder irritation, including mitomycin-C, thiotepa, doxorubicin and BCG. Chemo induced cystitis symptoms can occur during treatment, following treatment and, in some cases, months after therapy has stopped.
Thankfully, the medication Mesnex can help cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide-induced cystitis by binding to the metabolite acrolein in the bladder to form an inactive product that is then excreted. The antitumor activity of the chemotherapy drug remains effective while the bladder is protected. Patients may find that increasing water intake flushes the bladder with some clinicians using an IV saline solution and/or a diuretic medication to maintain urine output. Continuous bladder irrigation can help flush the irritants from the bladder before significant damage is done. For IC patients currently undergoing chemotherapy, medications and supplements that coat the bladder (i.e. Elmiron, Bladder Builder, Bladder Rest, etc.) may provide some extra protection for the bladder wall.
Ref: Side effects of Cancer Treatment Urinary and Bladder Problems – National Cancer Institute. August 9, 2018. https://www.cancer.gov/about- cancer/treatment/side-effects/urination- changes
Helpful Links
- https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/urination-changes
- Chemocare on Cystitis
- Hemorrhagic cystitis in cancer patients