Bladder cancer Treatment in Shefaa Al Orman international oncology hospitals

Bladder cancer care at Shefaa Al Orman International Oncology Hospitals in Luxor, Egypt, includes testing, drug therapy, radiation, and surgery. An online surgeon consultation may be around $40–$60, abdominal MRI around $100, and Keytruda immunotherapy around $1,500–$1,600. The hospital holds ESMO accreditation and has a dedicated urology cancer unit with a multidisciplinary tumor board.

Bladder cancer tests

Dr. Ahmed Abdel Bary, a consultant urologic surgeon, is responsible for the hospital’s urology cancer program. Tests help assess the tumor and guide treatment planning.

• Surgeon consultation: Available online; may be around $40–$60.
• Urine cytology: A lab examines urine cells under a microscope.
• Cystoscopy with biopsy: A camera examines the bladder, and a tissue sample may be taken.
• Imaging: MRI of the bladder or abdomen and CT scans of the chest and abdomen are available. Abdominal MRI may be around $100.
• Guided biopsy: A sample can be taken using CT or ultrasound guidance.
• Laboratory tests: These include a complete blood count, urine analysis, biochemistry, tumor markers, and clotting tests.

Treatment options

The treatment plan can include procedures for early tumors, bladder-preserving care, or treatment for advanced disease.

• TURBT: This endoscopic surgery removes a tumor through the urethra, without a large incision. It is used for superficial cancer limited to the bladder lining.
• Intravesical BCG: BCG is placed directly into the bladder after TURBT. It is used for small tumors that have not grown into deeper muscle.
• Radical cystectomy with neobladder reconstruction: Surgeons remove the bladder and form a new bladder. Onco-surgeons with extra training in bladder cancer surgery perform this procedure.
• Bladder-preserving surgery: This is offered as an alternative to bladder removal.
• Radiation therapy and chemotherapy: External beam radiation may be combined with chemotherapy when surgery is not possible or preferred. Chemotherapy is given intravenously in an 82-bed day-care unit.
• Immunotherapy: Intravenous Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is an option for advanced or recurrent cancer. It may be around $1,500–$1,600.
• Targeted therapy: Cancer cells may be tested to check whether this drug treatment is suitable.
• Interventional radiology: Nephrostomy and drainage catheter insertion can relieve urinary blockage. Radiofrequency or microwave ablation is also available.

Nine-day outpatient program

The bladder cancer program lasts 9 days and includes treatment planning and care, with chemotherapy if needed. Flights and accommodation outside the hospital are not included. The hospital also holds ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and ISO 14001 certifications, and is a UICC and IARC BCNet member. Patients can request a consultation through Bookimed.