Our progress against bladder cancer

Clinical trials

Researchers in our Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit (CTSU) led a landmark clinical trial which looked at different ways of giving radiotherapy to patients with bladder cancer.

The trial found that giving radiotherapy and chemotherapy at the same time helped stop bladder cancer from coming back, without causing more long term side effects.

This led to changes in clinical guidance, improving the quality of life for patients with bladder cancer.

Radiotherapy

We are improving how radiotherapy is used to treat bladder cancer.

In a recent study, our researchers showed that a shorter radiotherapy course with fewer but larger doses reduced the risk of bladder cancer coming back after treatment, with no increased risk of side effects, and would mean patients needing 12 fewer trips to hospital.

We are now strongly advocating for clinical guidance to be changed so that more patients can access the shorter radiotherapy course.

New drugs

We are pioneers in trialling new treatments for bladder cancer. Our researchers recently led a global clinical trial looking into a new type of cancer drug which acts as a ‘Trojan horse’ to get inside tumour cells and kill them.

Imaging

A recent study led by our researchers found that MRI scans could be used to help doctors focus radiotherapy more precisely towards tumours in the bladder, minimising damage to healthy tissue.

Support our research

As a UK charity, our life-saving research relies on the generosity of individuals and organisations. Our supporters help us make a difference to the lives of cancer patients and their families everywhere.

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