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Bladder-sparing treatment

Bladder-sparing treatment is an option for people with muscle-invasive bladder cancer who want to treat their cancer while keeping their bladder. It can be offered at the same stage as bladder removal surgery (cystectomy) and sometimes after chemotherapy given before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy).

Understanding this treatment

The main bladder-sparing approach is called chemoradiation. This is a combination of:

  • Radiation therapy to target the cancer in the bladder.
  • Chemotherapy to help the radiation work better and kill any cancer cells that may have spread.

Sometimes, surgery to remove the tumor from the bladder lining (TURBT) is done before or during chemoradiation. The goal is to control the cancer while keeping the bladder working. Research shows that this approach can be very effective for selected patients. About one in three people may still need bladder removal if the treatment does not fully control the cancer.

This chapter contains general information about bladder-sparing treatment. 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: November 2025

Reviewed by: 

  • Mr. Alex Filicevas (Patient Office EPAG)
  • Dr. Laura Mertens (EAU Working Group on Muscle-Invasive and Metastatic Bladder Cancer)