Bladder Cancer Clinical Trials

After reviewing your medical records and utilizing our AI system, we identify clinical trials that may be suitable for your situation. Additionally, we provide a concierge service designed to facilitate your seamless transition into the clinical trial process. Our team of healthcare professionals, including nurses and doctors, will manage all aspects of your participation in the trial, overseeing the entire journey from initiation to completion. Importantly, all the services we offer are entirely cost-free for you and your treating oncologist.

Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the bladder, which is the organ in the lower abdomen responsible for storing urine. It can develop in the lining of the bladder and, in some cases, may spread to surrounding tissues.

Hematuria: The most common and noticeable symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine. This can make the urine appear pink, red, or brown.

Frequent Urination: Individuals with bladder cancer may experience an increased need to urinate, often with a sensation of urgency. This can lead to more frequent bathroom trips.

Pain or Burning Sensation: Some people may experience pain or a burning sensation during urination, similar to symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Pelvic Pain: Pain or discomfort in the pelvic region may occur, particularly if the cancer has invaded nearby tissues or organs.

Back Pain: In advanced stages of bladder cancer, when it has spread to other parts of the body, individuals may experience lower back pain.

Unexplained Weight Loss: Weight loss that is not attributed to diet or exercise can be a symptom of more advanced bladder cancer.

Fatigue: Some individuals may feel unusually tired or weak, which can be associated with advanced stages of the disease.

Diagnosis of bladder cancer typically involves a combination of urine tests, imaging studies (like CT scans or ultrasound), and cystoscopy (a procedure using a thin tube with a camera to view the inside of the bladder). Bladder cancer depends on the cancer’s stage and grade. Early detection can significantly improve the prognosis for individuals with bladder cancer.

Bladder cancer has different types, but the most common is called urothelial carcinoma or transitional cell carcinoma. The types of bladder cancer are as follows:

1. Urothelial Carcinoma (Transitional Cell Carcinoma): This is the most prevalent type, accounting for approximately 90% of all bladder cancers. Urothelial carcinoma begins in the urothelial cells that line the inner surface of the bladder. It can also affect other parts of the urinary tract, such as the ureters and renal pelvis.

2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This type of bladder cancer develops in the thin, flat squamous cells that can form in the bladder lining in response to chronic irritation or infection. Squamous cell carcinoma is more common in regions where schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection, is endemic.

3. Adenocarcinoma: Adenocarcinoma of the bladder is less common and originates in the glandular cells that produce mucus. It often presents with more aggressive features and may have a worse prognosis than urothelial carcinoma.

4. Small Cell Carcinoma: Small cell carcinoma of the bladder is rare and typically more aggressive. It tends to spread quickly and may require different approaches than other types of bladder cancer.

5. Sarcoma: Bladder sarcomas are very rare and originate in the muscle or connective tissues of the bladder wall. These tumors are typically aggressive and may require a combination of options.

The treatment for bladder cancer can vary depending on several factors, including the stage and grade of the cancer, the type of bladder cancer, and the individual’s overall health and preferences.

Common treatment options for bladder cancer include:

Surgery:

• Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT): In the early stages of bladder cancer, the tumor may be removed through a procedure called TURBT. This involves using a cystoscope to remove the tumor from the bladder lining.
• Partial Cystectomy: In some cases, a portion of the bladder may be surgically removed while preserving bladder function. This is typically considered for specific cases of early-stage cancer.
• Radical Cystectomy: For more advanced bladder cancer or cases where other treatments have not been effective, a radical cystectomy may be recommended. This procedure involves the complete removal of the bladder, nearby lymph nodes, and, in some cases, surrounding organs (such as the prostate or uterus).

Chemotherapy:

• Intravesical Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs can be placed directly into the bladder through a catheter. This is often used after TURBT to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
• Systemic Chemotherapy: In cases of more advanced bladder cancer, chemotherapy drugs may be administered intravenously to target cancer cells throughout the body. Doctors may use neoadjuvant chemotherapy (given before surgery) or adjuvant chemotherapy (given after surgery) to shrink tumors, prevent recurrence, or treat metastatic disease.

Targeted Therapy: Some individuals with stage III bladder cancer or stage IV bladder cancer, particularly those with certain genetic mutations or biomarkers, may benefit from targeted therapy drugs. These drugs specifically target cancer cells with minimal harm to normal cells.

Immunotherapy: Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab and atezolizumab, are a type of immunotherapy that can be used to treat metastatic bladder cancer. They work by stimulating the immune system to attack cancer cells.

Radiation Approach: In select cases, radiation therapy may be used to treat bladder cancer, particularly when surgery is not an option or as a part of combined treatment approaches.

The treatment chosen depends on various factors. These factors include the person’s situation, such as the stage, grade, and type of cancer. Additionally, their health and preferences also play a role in determining the treatment.

Doctors work together with patients to create treatment plans for bladder cancer, ensuring the best approach for managing the disease.

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) is vital in linking patients with specific genetic mutations in their cancers to clinical trials for targeted options. This approach, part of personalized medicine, increases the effectiveness and success rates of these trials by ensuring patients receive approaches most likely to work for their particular cancer type.

Bladder cancer can be associated with various gene alterations that play a role in its development and progression. Some of the key gene alterations and mutations associated with bladder cancer include:

1. FGFR3 (Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 3): Mutations in the FGFR3 gene are commonly found in non-invasive or low-grade bladder cancer. These mutations contribute to the abnormal growth of cells in the bladder lining.

2. TP53 (Tumor Protein p53): Alterations in the TP53 gene are often associated with high-grade and more aggressive forms of bladder cancer. TP53 is a tumor suppressor gene that helps control cell division and prevent the growth of abnormal cells.

3. RB1 (Retinoblastoma 1): Mutations or loss of the RB1 gene can occur in some cases of bladder cancer, particularly in invasive forms. The RB1 gene normally regulates cell cycle progression.

4. CDKN2A (Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor 2A): Alterations in the CDKN2A gene are linked to bladder cancer development. This gene codes for proteins involved in cell cycle regulation.

5. PIK3CA (Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-Bisphosphate 3-Kinase Catalytic Subunit Alpha): Mutations in PIK3CA are associated with some cases of bladder cancer. The PIK3CA gene plays a role in cell growth and division.

6. HRAS and KRAS: Mutations in HRAS and KRAS genes have been identified in a subset of bladder cancers. These genes are part of the RAS family of oncogenes and are involved in cell signaling pathways.

7. ERBB2 (HER2): ERBB2 gene amplification or overexpression can occur in some bladder cancers. It may be targeted with therapies like trastuzumab in specific cases.

8. MDM2 amplification: protein that regulates the activity of the p53 tumor suppressor gene, which plays a critical role in controlling cell growth and preventing the development of cancer.

Clinical trials play a crucial role for bladder cancer for several reasons:

1. Access to Cutting-Edge Options: Clinical trials provide an avenue for individuals to access innovative approaches, which is particularly important for serious conditions like bladder cancer, where standard options may have limitations.

2. Improving Outcomes: Participation in clinical trials empowers patients to contribute valuable knowledge that can enhance survival rates and overall well-being for future bladder cancer patients.

3. Comprehensive Healthcare: Enrolled patients in clinical trials typically receive comprehensive care, benefiting from a dedicated team of healthcare professionals and researchers closely monitoring their progress.

4. Fostering Hope: For many individuals grappling with bladder cancer, involvement in a clinical trial fosters hope, both for their personal recovery and the potential positive impact on future patients facing similar challenges.

5. Advancing Research Frontiers: Clinical trials play a pivotal role in advancing medical research, aiding scientists in gauging the effectiveness of new treatments and identifying which patients stand to benefit the most. This can pave the way for the development of more effective therapeutic strategies and personalized medicine approaches.

Cancer is an unfortunate reality that touches most of us at some point in our lives. If you or a loved one has cancer, you may have heard or read that clinical trials could offer access to innovative new options. But what exactly is a clinical trial? In this video, Massive Bio co-founder Arturo Loaiza-Bonilla, MD, explains how clinical trials work, what to expect if you enroll in one, and why a clinical trial can be an important option for many cancer patients.

We dream of the day when cancer disappears from our lives. Massive Bio is working tirelessly on achieving that goal.