Investigating immune responses in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer
Official title: HLA-E and NKG2A define a novel immune checkpoint axis in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11020945 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how your immune system reacts to the BCG treatment for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, with the hope of finding ways to make the treatment work better and reduce the chances of the cancer coming back.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $667,174 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA269954-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11020945 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with intermediate to high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer who are receiving or have received BCG treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer or those who have not been treated with BCG may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the immune system responds to Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), the only FDA-approved treatment for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). By examining the immune response, particularly the role of specific immune cells and cytokines, the study aims to identify new biomarkers and therapeutic targets that could enhance treatment effectiveness. Patients will be monitored for their immune responses to BCG, which may lead to improved treatment strategies and better management of NMIBC. The research also seeks to address the high recurrence rates of this cancer and the associated healthcare costs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, potentially reducing recurrence rates and improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing immune responses in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in bladder cancer therapy.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Horowitz, Amir — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Horowitz, Amir
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Nrf2 in T cells and how it could boost immune power against bladder cancer
A small grant will explore how a T-cell protein called Nrf2 affects muscle-invasive bladder cancer and whether targeting it could help patients respond better to immune therapies.
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Repurposing spironolactone to treat bladder cancer inside the bladder
Aims to repurpose spironolactone as an intravesical treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer to help prevent recurrence and progression.
-
Body fats and immune signals shaping bladder cancer outlook
This study will look at how body composition and immune/inflammatory states at diagnosis relate to the outlook for people with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
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Novel combination immunotherapy for non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer
Researchers are testing a new combination approach using a special anti-CD40 antibody with existing bladder cancer therapies to help patients whose NMIBC did not respond to standard BCG treatment.
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Why some bladder cancers don't respond to BCG treatment
This project will use detailed tissue and genetic tests to look for what makes some non-muscle invasive bladder cancers resist BCG so better treatments can be found for people who don't respond.
-
Salt-based nanomedicine to treat bladder cancer that doesn’t respond to standard BCG therapy
A patient-focused overview of a new salt-based nanoparticle therapy designed to target non-muscle invasive bladder cancer that is resistant to BCG treatment.
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.