Clinical case: complete remission without surgery of aggressive bladder cancer

Written by Dr. María de los Ángeles López

A 59-year-old male patient, active, a surfer, and architect, was diagnosed with high-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma, one of the most aggressive bladder tumors. He refused total removal of this organ due to its physical and emotional consequences. Through a regenerative treatment based on gene therapy and stem cells, he achieved complete remission. Today, two years later, he shows no signs of cancer and has not received any additional treatment.

A 59-year-old male patient, with no relevant medical history, had led an active and healthy life. A long-time smoker, he combined his career as an architect with frequent surfing, his main passion.

Two years ago, he suddenly began urinating with blood, accompanied by urinary urgency.

Upon seeing a urologist and undergoing imaging studies (abdominal CT) and clinical analysis, a tumor was detected in the urinary bladder. The tumor was surgically removed for analysis. The biopsy yielded a clear diagnosis: high-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma, a cancer with aggressive behavior, although localized and without muscle invasion.

The treating team proposed a radical cystectomy as the only alternative: the complete removal of the bladder, including the possible use of part of the intestine to construct a neobladder. This involved major surgery, with risks such as thrombosis, sepsis, permanent urinary disorders, complex edema, and a prolonged and uncertain recovery. For this patient, this option threatened not only his health but also his lifestyle and emotional well-being. He refused surgery and decided to explore another option: regenerative medicine.

He then sought specialized advice. With support from the Urology Department, a diagnostic cystoscopy was performed, confirming the initial diagnosis. After an in-depth study of the case, a personalized treatment was developed based on gene therapy and antitumor peptides, including different combinations of signaling agents and umbilical cord stem cells. The latter were chosen because the patient’s own stem cells contained mutations linked to tumor development.

The treatment aimed to directly intervene at the origin of the cancer: repairing the mutated DNA, restoring cell function, and halting tumor growth at its root. Products were used that directly intervene in the activation or repression of genes involved in the cell cycle, in the death of damaged cells, altering their structure, or in the response to oxidative stress, without affecting healthy cells. The patient underwent six sessions of this protocol.

After completing the therapeutic cycle, a follow-up cystoscopy was performed in the company of the urology team. The result was impressive: no lesions or scarring were observed. The tumor had disappeared without the need for surgery.

Today, two years after diagnosis and without having received additional treatment, the patient remains in complete remission. His mood has improved significantly, and he has returned to his routine with greater vitality. He has had no further episodes of hematuria and has managed to maintain his active lifestyle, with even better physical performance in surfing, his defining activity.

Cytoscopy Before Therapy Cytoscopy

After Therapy

Before therapy, we can see evidence of high-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma,
which subsequently disappears after his regenerative treatment.