Combining EphrinB2 inhibition with PD-1 therapy for bladder cancer treatment.

Synergistic immune response after EphrinB2 inhibition & PD-1 antibody therapy in urothelial carcinoma.

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · NIH-11134306

This study is testing a new treatment for muscle invasive bladder cancer that combines two therapies to see if it helps patients who usually don’t respond well to current options, focusing on those with specific levels of certain proteins in their tumors.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11134306 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates a new treatment approach for muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) by combining a novel EphrinB2 inhibitor with PD-1 antibody therapy. The study aims to target patients who have low or no levels of Nectin4 and high levels of EphrinB2, as these patients typically do not respond well to existing immunotherapies. By conducting a phase II randomized trial, the researchers will assess the effectiveness of this combination in improving overall survival and response rates compared to standard treatments. Patients will be monitored for their immune response and tumor progression throughout the trial.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer who express EphrinB2 and have low or no levels of Nectin4.

Not a fit: Patients with bladder cancer who do not express EphrinB2 or have high levels of Nectin4 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with resistant forms of bladder cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar combinations of immunotherapy and targeted agents, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.