Investigating immune responses in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer

HLA-E and NKG2A define a novel immune checkpoint axis in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer

NIH-funded research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11020945

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11020945 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: 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.

Not a fit: Patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer or those who have not been treated with BCG may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

New York, 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.
Conditions Anti-Cancer Agentsanti-cancer drug
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.