A NEW bladder cancer treatment is giving hope to patients at Darent Valley Hospital.

Consultant urological surgeon at the hospital, Sanjeev Madaan, introduced the procedure 'Thermochemotherapy’five months ago and has seen positive results.

It involves a chemotherapy drug going into the bladder using a catheter before a specialist piece of equipment, called Synergo, is used to generate radio frequencies and heat inside the bladder.

The treatment is given once a week for six weeks and takes up to an hour. If the patient responds well they continue with one session every six to eight weeks for two years.

Currently patients with bladder cancer would be considered for Cystectomy - the removal of the bladder.

This is a major operation which some people are unwilling to go through or who are unsuitable for the procedure.

Darent Valley Hospital is now one of only a few units in the UK to have access to the new treatment.

Mr Madaan said: "I am delighted to be able to say that Darent Valley Hospital provides a comprehensive range of services for urology cancer patients.

"I would like to thank all those who have helped by giving their support to the hospital’s Cancer Fighting Fund which has enabled me to develop these services to benefit our cancer patients."

Mr Madaan is currently running five research projects at the hospital to find new ways of treating kidney, bladder and prostate cancers.

You can help support the hospital's Cancer Fighting Fund by taking part in the annual Stride4Life sponsored walk and fun day on July 8.

To register, call 01322 428392 or visit dvh.nhs.uk

Cheque donations are payable to ‘Darent Valley Hospital (CFF)’ and should be sent to Fundraising, Darent Valley Hospital, Dartford, DA2 8DA.