Bladder Cancer Treatment

At the Johns Hopkins Greenberg Bladder Cancer Institute, we emphasize patient education and encourage patient participation in the decision-making process. Our multidisciplinary team assesses all the information — tumor stage/grade, pathology results, imaging and, when available, tumor genetic sequencing — and teaches patients about their diagnosis, and the risks and benefits of various treatment options. We then provide expert guidance to help patients arrive at care decisions that meet their specific needs.

On this page:

Nonmuscle-Invasive Treatment | Muscle-Invasive Treatment


Bladder Cancer: The Basics

Specialists at the Johns Hopkins Greenberg Bladder Cancer Institute (GBCI) outline a basic overview of the functions of the bladder, and the different types of cancer that can affect the bladder. Learn about symptoms and risk factors for the disease, and how the GBCI’s multi-disciplinary clinical approach is moving research forward.

About Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer almost always starts in the lining of the bladder with the uncontrollable growth of urothelial cells. Occasionally, it can also form in other areas of the urinary tract (e.g., renal pelvis, ureter or urethra) that are lined with these same cells. When detected and treated early, bladder cancer can be cured the majority of the time. If a tumor becomes invasive — growing into the bladder’s muscle wall and even spreading to other organs — surgery to remove the bladder is usually required.

Treating Nonmuscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer

Also known as nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer, this type is considered “early stage” and represents about 70 to 75 percent of all bladder cancer cases. Nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer means the cancer is found in the lining of the bladder and has not invaded the bladder’s muscle wall or spread outside the bladder.

While easier to treat, nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer has a high rate of recurrence and a risk of progression that requires patients to undergo a lifetime of regular monitoring. This is a major reason why bladder cancer is the costliest cancer to treat.

Current Approaches

The Greenberg Institute currently offers several approaches to treating nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer:


Bladder Cancer Q&A with urologist Max Kates, M.D.

Urologist Max Kates, M.D., answers common questions about bladder cancer, including who is at risk, signs and symptoms, as well as the latest treatment options at the Johns Hopkins Greenberg Bladder Cancer Institute.

Treating Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer

Also called advanced bladder cancer, this type represents about 25 to 30 percent of all bladder cancer cases. Muscle-invasive bladder cancer is cancer that has invaded the bladder’s muscle wall. Some invasive bladder cancers have also metastasized, or spread, to surrounding organs or other parts of the body.

Current Approaches

The Greenberg Institute treats muscle-invasive bladder aggressively with curative intent through several patient-centered treatment approaches, including:

Learn More About Treatment Options at GBCI 

Learn more about treatment for nonmuscle-invasive and muscle-invasive bladder cancer in our health library.