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Metastatic bladder cancer

Treatment for metastatic bladder cancer

Treatment can help to reduce symptoms, make you feel better and sometimes can help you to live longer. Treatment may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery.

This section is about treatment for bladder cancer that has spread to another part of the body. We have separate information about treatment for bladder cancer that hasn't spread to another part of the body. 

Treatment options for bladder cancer that hasn't spread to other parts of the body

Treatment options for metastatic bladder cancer

Treatment can slow down metastatic bladder cancer for some time and help to reduce your symptoms. Here you can find information on your possible treatment options.

Chemotherapy for metastatic bladder cancer

Chemotherapy can help to control metastatic bladder cancer for some time. You might have a combination of drugs.

Immunotherapy for bladder cancer

There are different immunotherapy drugs for muscle invasive bladder cancer. These include nivolumab, avelumab and atezolizumab.

Radiotherapy for metastatic bladder cancer

You might have radiotherapy to control your symptoms. Radiotherapy uses high energy waves similar to x-rays to kill cancer cells.

Surgery for metastatic bladder cancer

You might have surgery to relieve symptoms caused by metastatic bladder cancer. There are different types of operations.

Treating symptoms of metastatic bladder cancer

Symptoms can be difficult to cope with. Your doctors and nurses will support you and give you treatments to help relieve the symptoms.

Last reviewed: 27 Aug 2025

Next review due: 27 Aug 2028

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