Frequently Asked Questions

Why has my doctor recommended the EMDA^® treatment?

You have, or have had, Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC) which is the most common type of Bladder Cancer. The EMDA^® system is used to administer Intravesical Chemotherapy directly into your bladder as part of your treatment.

How does the EMDA^® treatment work?

Electromotive Drug Administration or EMDA^® is a non-invasive method of enhancing local drug penetration across the urothelium of the bladder. EMDA^® uses a small electric current to accelerate and actively transport ionized or non-ionized molecules inside the chemotherapy drug Mitomycin-C into the tissue.

What will happen during the treatment?

A catheter is passed into the bladder via the urethra with a local anaesthetic administered to minimise discomfort. The bladder is drained of urine and then Mitmycin-C is passed via the catheter into the bladder. Two electrode pads are placed on the lower abdomen and connected to the EMDA^® generator. The rate of drug administration is fully controllable by the medical practitioner, varying the intensity of the electrical current to suit the patient.  

What is Mitomycin-C?

Mitomycin-C is a chemotherapy drug that can destroy cancer cells. It attacks cancerous cells when put directly into the bladder but does little damage to your normal, healthy bladder lining.

Will I get the usual chemotherapy side effects?

Mitomycin-C is installed directly into your bladder and not injected into your veins. This way you will not get the side effects often associated with chemotherapy, such as hair loss, nausea and vomiting.  

Glossary

Catheter

A fine flexible tube made from medical grade material, inserted through a narrow opening into a body cavity

EMDA^®

Electromotive Drug Administration or EMDA^® is a non-invasive method of enhancing local drug penetration across the urothelium of the bladder

Mitomycin-C

Mitomycin-C is a chemotherapy drug administered directly into the bladder

NMIBC

Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer

Urethra

The duct by which urine is conveyed out of the body from the bladder

Urothelium

The innermost layer of your bladder which is lined with cells that stop urine being absorbed into the body. These cells are called urothelial cells