In exciting news, the FDA just approved the first (and only) immunotherapy combination treatment for bladder cancer. This treatment is specifically for patients with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer who have not had previous BCG treatment.
Dr. Neal Shore, who co-led the POTOMAC trial that studied this treatment, said in the press release:
The durvalumab plus BCG regimen is the first new therapy approved in over 30 years for patients with BCG-naïve, high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Unfortunately, many of these patients experience disease recurrence requiring repeated surgical procedures, as well as disease progression resulting in surgical removal of their bladder.
The POTOMAC trial demonstrates that the durvalumab with BCG induction and maintenance regimen reduces the risk of disease recurrence, progression or death for patients by almost a third compared to BCG alone, heralding a marked advancement for patients with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
Expanding Treatment Options for Bladder Cancer Patients
Advances in bladder cancer research continue to provide patients with new options and new hope. The approval of this treatment combination gives physicians another way to help reduce the risk of cancer returning or progressing.
Patients with bladder cancer should talk with their physician about their diagnosis, treatment options, and whether new therapies may be appropriate for their individual situation.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with NMIBC and wants to learn more about this newly approved treatment, call to schedule a consultation today: 843.347.2450
