Does Removing More Lymph Nodes During a Radical Cystectomy Lead to Better Outcomes?

Historically, many patients who have a radical cystectomy (bladder removal) also have an extended lymph node dissection, which means taking out several lymph nodes during the surgery. A new study led by Dr. Seth Lerner of Baylor College of Medicine (and also a BCAN Board Member) suggests that taking out a large number of lymph nodes does not improve both disease-free survival and overall survival. Rick and Dr. Lerner discuss: What lymph nodes and why are they important in bladder cancer Does a more extensive node dissection (END) improve both disease-free survival and overall survival? The side effects of removing several lymph nodes How, in Dr. Lerner's study, they found a higher risk of grade of moderate to life-threatening side effects at both 30 days and 90 days after a radical cystectomy and END How they also studied how radical cystectomy patients fared with and without chemotherapy after surgery Never miss an episode of Bladder Cancer Matters by subscribing in your favorite podcasting platform.