Exploring how radiation affects antibody-drug treatments for bladder cancer
Official title: Investigating Interactions Between Radiation and Antibody-Drug Conjugates in Bladder Cancer
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11071992 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how combining radiation therapy with special cancer-fighting drugs called antibody-drug conjugates might work better for people with muscle-invasive bladder cancer, and it aims to find out which patients could get the most benefit from this approach.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $246,784 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA288234-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071992 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with muscle-invasive bladder cancer who are considering treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer or those who have already undergone radical cystectomy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between radiation therapy and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) in treating muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). The study aims to understand how radiation may enhance the effectiveness of ADCs, which are designed to target cancer cells specifically. By examining genetic alterations in bladder tumors, the research seeks to identify which patients may benefit most from this combined treatment approach. Patients participating in this research may receive novel therapies that could improve their treatment outcomes and quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for bladder cancer patients, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of antibody-drug conjugates has shown promise in other cancer types, the specific interaction between these therapies and radiation in bladder cancer is still being explored and is considered a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mouw, Kent W — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Mouw, Kent W
Related research
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.