From using vaccines as therapy to making radiotherapy more precisely targeted to tumours, our researchers are working hard to make treatments more effective and kinder for people with bladder cancer. Below are some examples of what our researchers are doing right now.
In Southampton, Professor Simon Crabb is leading a clinical trial called AURORA to test immunotherapy in a rare type of cancer called urinary tract squamous cell carcinoma (UTSCC). The trial will determine whether the drug atezolizumab, which inhibits a molecule called PD-L1, is safe, effective and tolerable for patients with UTSCC.
Professor Robert Huddart is running a nationwide clinical trial, organised by the Institute of Cancer Research, to investigate whether adding radiotherapy to an immunotherapy drug called atezolizumab improves treatment response in people with urothelial carcinoma that has spread. As immunotherapy is one of the only treatments available for this type of cancer, if radiotherapy increases treatment response it could provide a new option for those who don’t initially respond.
Read more about the RE-ARM trial
At the University of Birmingham, Professor Richard Bryan is developing a urine test that could be used to diagnose bladder cancer. This test could make the diagnosis of bladder cancer kinder, as its less invasive than flexible cystoscopy, the test currently used to investigate common bladder cancer symptoms like blood in the urine.
Read more about Professor Bryan’s work
Thanks to research, we’ve helped change the outlook for people with bladder cancer.
Meet people like Tommy who have experienced first-hand how our research is making a difference. The life-saving research we do wouldn’t be possible without your support.
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