How to treat metastatic bladder cancer in my elderly father?

Question

Hello doctor,

My dad, who is 65 years old, was recently told by his doctor that his bladder cancer has now spread to other parts of his body, and they called it metastatic urothelial carcinoma. I am really confused about what this means for him and if he will have to go through chemo or any other treatment. He is also having a lot of pain in his lower back lately, could it be connected to this? We are also worried about his kidneys because the doctor mentioned something about that too. Is this type of cancer very aggressive, and can it be slowed down? How much time does someone have when they get this type of diagnosis? I also read online that immunotherapy can help. How is it different from chemo? My dad gets tired very easily nowadays. Should we push him to eat more or let him rest? What kind of diet will help him gain strength?

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Any kind of carcinoma that has metastasized has a poor prognosis. Therapy depends on the subtype of urothelial carcinoma and the extent of metastasis. Back pain could be related to this cancer itself.

Metastatic cancers have poor prognoses and lifetime is usually less. Immunotherapies are the latest development for cancer treatment and are particularly used for metastatic cancers to prolong life. Tiredness and fatigue are components of cancer disease.

He should be concentrated on a high-protein diet to maintain his body strength and power.

Thank you and take care.