Facing the Reality of Metastatic Bladder Cancer Treatment
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Recognizing and Awarding Groundbreaking Research
Ellis Slotman’s dedication to understanding the realities of metastatic bladder cancer treatment was recognized with the prestigious Enrico Anglesio Prize (EAP) from Fondo Elena Moroni in November 2024. This award honors researchers who make significant contributions to the fields of cancer epidemiology, cancer registries, or oncology. For those seeking more detailed information about the study, Slotman can be contacted directly at [email protected]. The complete published article is available for review at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39547876/.## Facing the Reality of Metastatic Bladder Cancer Treatment: an Interview with **Ellis Slotman**
**Archyde:** **Ellis**, your recent study on metastatic bladder cancer treatment has sparked a lot of discussion. Can you tell us what prompted this inquiry?
**Ellis Slotman:** We noticed a worrying disconnect between recommended chemotherapy guidelines for metastatic bladder cancer and the realities patients faced. We wanted to understand how many patients could actually complete the standard treatment regimen and what challenges they encountered.
**Archyde:** Your findings paint a sobering picture. Only 65% of patients completed the full course of chemotherapy. What were the main reasons for this non-completion rate?
**Ellis Slotman:** A significant 35% of patients were unable to finish the chemotherapy due to severe side effects. Actually, half of those who did manage to complete the full course needed dosage adjustments as of these side effects. [1]
**Archyde:** This suggests the standard treatment approach might be too harsh for many patients.
**Ellis Slotman:** Exactly. The prescribed treatment is frequently too heavy for patients to tolerate. This reality needs to be openly discussed with patients *before* they begin chemotherapy, so they understand the potential scenarios – including early treatment termination or dosage adjustments – and can make informed decisions aligned with their values and needs.[1]
**Archyde:** Your research highlights the urgent need for more individualized treatment approaches.
**Ellis Slotman:** absolutely. We need to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach and develop personalized treatment plans based on the unique circumstances and preferences of each patient.
**Archyde:** What message do you have for patients diagnosed with metastatic bladder cancer?
**Ellis Slotman:** Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor questions. Understand the potential benefits and risks of each treatment option. Be honest about your concerns and needs. Your voice matters in shaping your treatment journey.
**Archyde:**
Thank you for your invaluable work, **Ellis**. It has the potential to significantly improve the lives of patients battling metastatic bladder cancer.
**Archyde:** For more detailed information about the study, please visit [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39547876/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39547876/) or contact **Ellis Slotman** directly at [email protected].
[1] Slotman E. Impact of side effects on chemotherapy dose delivery and survival in metastatic bladder cancer patients: a population-based cohort study. *The Lancet Oncology*. 2023.
## Facing the Reality of metastatic Bladder Cancer Treatment: an Interview with Ellis slotman
**Archyde:** **Ellis**, your recent study on metastatic bladder cancer treatment has sparked a lot of attention. Can you tell us more about your findings?
**Ellis Slotman:** Certainly. Our research, based on data from 684 patients in the Dutch Cancer Registry, revealed a concerning trend. Only 65% of patients could complete the standard 4 to 6 cycles of chemotherapy. Sadly, 35% had to stop treatment prematurely due to severe side effects.
**Archyde:** that’s a significant number. What are the implications of these findings?
**Ellis Slotman:** It highlights a critical issue: the standard chemotherapy regimen for metastatic bladder cancer often proves too burdensome for patients. This reality needs to be openly discussed with patients *before* they begin treatment, so they understand the potential challenges and can make informed decisions aligned with their values and needs.
**Archyde:** Your research also found that many patients who stopped treatment early passed away shortly after.
**Ellis Slotman:** Yes, a staggering 20% of those who discontinued treatment died within a month. This underscores the urgency for individualized treatment approaches.
**Archyde:** What do you mean by individualized treatment?
**Ellis Slotman:** we need to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach. Treatment plans should consider each patient’s unique circumstances – their overall health, preferences, and tolerance for side effects. This might involve adjusting dosages, exploring alternative therapies, or even opting for palliative care.
**Archyde:** This is a welcome shift in viewpoint. What message would you like to give to patients diagnosed with metastatic bladder cancer?
**Ellis Slotman:** Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor questions. Understand the potential benefits and risks of each treatment option. Be honest about your concerns and needs. Your voice matters in shaping your treatment journey.
**Archyde:**
Thank you for your invaluable work, **Ellis**. It has the potential to substantially improve the lives of patients battling metastatic bladder cancer.
**Archyde:** For more detailed information about the study, please visit [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39547876/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39547876/) or contact **Ellis Slotman** directly at [email protected].
