| Q) |
Can Synergo help with your type of bladder cancer?
|
| A) |
The Synergo system is indicated for Superficial Transitional Cell Carcinoma of
the Urinary Bladder (STTCB). The tumor is defined "superficial" as long as
it is limited to the very internal layers of the bladder (those in direct contact with the urine).
Your urologist should decide if your specific case is eligible for Synergo treatment after
performing biopsies from those bladder layers.
|
| Q) |
For which type of superficial bladder cancer is Synergo normally used?
|
| A) |
If you have undergone a surgical removal of your bladder tumor/s (TUR) and your
bladder is free of tumor, then you should receive prophylactic treatment regimen
in order to prevent the chance of disease recurrence.
If you cannot undergo surgical removal , your tumor can be eradicated with the
assistance of Synergo using the ablative treatment regimen. This regimen may
eradicate your tumor completely or reduce the tumor burden enabling further treatment
by surgery.
|
| Q) |
How is the treatment performed?
|
| A) |
The treatment is performed by trained medical personnel in an outpatient clinic setting, where the Synergo system is located. You will lie on your back for the entire session.
A catheter will be inserted into your urinary bladder with the aid of anesthetic gel.
The treatment lasts about one hour, in which both hyperthermia and chemotherapy are
delivered into your bladder. After treatment, you will be able to resume your
daily activities, as treatments are performed on ambulatory basis.
|
| Q) |
How many treatment-sessions will I get?
|
| A) |
To complete the prophylactic treatment protocol you will require 6 weekly and then
6 maintenance sessions every 6 weeks.
To complete the ablative treatment protocol you will undergo 4 or 8
weekly sessions and then switch to prophylactic treatment or other
treatment, depending on your clinical response.
|
| Q) |
How does the treatment work?
|
| A) |
Local hyperthermia (heating the tissue of the internal bladder wall) has a
synergistic effect with chemotherapy and the overall effect on tumor cells is stronger
compared with chemotherapy alone. Therefore, the combination of hyperthermia
and chemotherapy might be superior to any other known method of intravesical
instillation.
|
| Q) |
How do I know the clinical response to treatment?
|
| A) |
Performing fiber-optic visualization of the internal layer of the
urinary bladder (cystoscopy) with tissue biopsies, enables the urologist to
assess visually and confirm pathologically the state of your bladder following
Synergo treatment.
|
| Q) |
Is there any discomfort during or after treatment?
|
| A) |
Synergo may cause local pain or discomfort during and/or in the first few days after the
treatment session, temporary bleeding, or burning sensation along the urethra.
Note that these symptoms are all mild, transient and usually very tolerable. Please consult with your urologist regarding any discomforts you may feel.
Recommended analgesics therapy during Synergo treatment may relieve the symptoms.
|
| Q) |
How can I receive Synergo treatment for my superficial bladder cancer?
|
| A) |
Ask your urologist to refer you to the nearest Synergo equipped clinic in your area.
Please refer to the "list of hospitals" where the Synergo is currently operating.
|
| Q) |
Are there any health precautions during treatment period?
|
| A) |
It is recommended to refrain from excessive fluid intake before the treatment.
After treatment session completion it is advocated to drink a lot,
wash hands thoroughly after urination and use condom during sexual
intercourse for a day or two.
|
