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I have metastatic bladder cancer

Chemotherapy for bladder cancer

Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells and is a common treatment for metastatic bladder cancer. Learn when chemotherapy is recommended, how it is given, possible side effects, and what to expect during treatment.

Related topics for further reading

Living with bladder cancerOther resources on bladder cancer

The first treatment option is a combination of two types of medication: enfortumab vedotin (EV) and pembrolizumab. If EV isn't right for you or isn’t available, your doctor may use cisplatin or gemcitabine with nivolumab instead. If these treatments aren’t an option, chemotherapy alone might be used.

This chapter contains general information about chemotherapy for bladder cancer. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance on your individual medical situation.

Last updated: May 2025

Other possible treatments

Chemotherapy for bladder cancerClinical trials for bladder cancer

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