Improving bladder cancer treatment by targeting DNA repair deficiencies

Targeting Nucleotide Excision Repair Deficiency to Improve Bladder Sparing Treatment for Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer

['FUNDING_R01'] · DANA-FARBER CANCER INST · NIH-10918108

This study is looking at how certain gene changes in people with muscle-invasive bladder cancer might help doctors decide the best treatment options, like whether to remove the bladder or use a combination of chemotherapy and radiation, to improve outcomes for patients.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorDANA-FARBER CANCER INST (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10918108 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how deficiencies in the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway, specifically mutations in the ERCC2 gene, affect treatment outcomes for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). The study aims to determine if these mutations can serve as molecular biomarkers to guide treatment decisions between bladder removal and bladder-sparing chemoradiotherapy. By analyzing patient responses to cisplatin-based chemotherapy and clinical chemoradiotherapy regimens, the research seeks to enhance personalized treatment approaches for MIBC patients. The methodology includes examining tumor samples and treatment responses to identify patterns linked to ERCC2 mutations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with muscle-invasive bladder cancer, particularly those with ERCC2 mutations.

Not a fit: Patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer or those without ERCC2 mutations may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective treatment options for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting DNA repair deficiencies can improve treatment responses in other cancers, suggesting potential success for this approach in bladder cancer.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, 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 →

Conditions: Bladder Cancer

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.