Does chemotherapy treat upper tract urothelial cancer?

Upper tract urothelial cancer begins in the lining of the renal pelvis or ureter. Chemotherapy uses medicines that travel through the bloodstream to affect cancer cells in different parts of the body. It may be recommended before surgery to reduce the amount of cancer, after surgery to address cells that could remain, or as treatment for disease that cannot be removed completely. The plan depends on kidney function, the tumour's location and extent, previous treatment, and your general health.

Treatment may involve one medicine or a combination. Common effects can include tiredness, nausea, reduced blood-cell counts, appetite changes and a higher chance of infection. Your team can offer medicines and practical support to manage these effects.

Ask the urology and oncology teams how chemotherapy fits with surgery, scans and any other recommended treatment. Bring a list of medicines and supplements, and mention kidney problems, hearing changes, nerve symptoms or previous chemotherapy. Before treatment, ask how kidney function and blood counts will be checked, how treatment is given, and which symptoms should prompt a same-day call.

Contact your treatment team promptly for a fever, chills, new breathlessness, repeated vomiting, inability to drink, severe diarrhoea, unusual bleeding or rapidly worsening weakness. Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, confusion, fainting or signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Which chemotherapy purpose applies to me: before surgery, after surgery or treatment for advanced disease? How will the plan account for my kidney function? What changes should make me pause a dose or call the hospital?