Moffitt Study Reveals Promising Combination Therapy for Bladder Cancer

Moffitt Study Reveals Promising Combination Therapy for Bladder Cancer

TAMPA, Fla. - Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have discovered a new treatment combination that shows promise for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer who cannot receive standard-of-care cisplatin-based chemotherapy. The study, published in Nature Medicine, demonstrates that this innovative approach is both safe and efficacious.

In the study, 21 patients received a combination of intravesical cretostimogene grenadenorepvec, an oncolytic immunotherapy genetically engineered to attack cancer cells, and immune checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab. More than 42% of participants achieved a complete pathological response, meaning no evidence of cancer was found after treatment. This response rate is compares favorably to that of traditional cisplatin-based chemotherapy.

Importantly, the combination treatment was well tolerated, with no serious side effects that delayed surgery. Additionally, about 70% of patients remained cancer free one year after treatment.

"Combining local and systemic immunotherapy is a promising strategy for patients who cannot receive standard cisplatin-based chemotherapy," said Roger Li, M.D., principal investigator of the trial and urologic oncologist at Moffitt. "Our findings suggest that this approach not only achieves comparable efficacy but also has a favorable safety profile, making it a viable alternative for this vulnerable patient group."

The researchers also examined how the treatment affected immune responses. They found that the combination therapy enhanced the immune system's ability to target and fight cancer cells. Specifically, the B-cell mediated humoral responses were activated following treatment and seemed to play an important role in eliminating the tumor.

While the findings are promising, the researchers aim to conduct further studies to better understand the mechanisms behind the treatment's success and to explore ways to improve outcomes for bladder cancer patients.

The study was supported by CG Oncology, the U.S. Department of Defense (W81XWH-22-1-0395), the National Cancer Institute (P30 CA076292) and the Campbell Family Foundation.

About Moffitt Cancer Center
Moffitt is dedicated to one lifesaving mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. The Tampa-based facility is one of only 57 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, a distinction that recognizes Moffitt's scientific excellence, multidisciplinary research, and robust training and education. Moffitt's expert nursing staff is recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center with Magnet^® status, its highest distinction. For more information, call 1-888-MOFFITT (1-888-663-3488), visit MOFFITT.org, and follow the momentum on Facebook, Twitter, Instagramand YouTube.

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