Novel combination immunotherapy for non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer
Official title: Project 2: Developing Novel Combination Immunotherapeutics for Non–Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
Funded at Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11335850 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $514,639 |
| NIH project number | 1P50CA310825-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11335850 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer who have high-grade disease and have not fully responded to or are at risk after BCG therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose cancer biology does not respond to CD40-targeted approaches or who cannot tolerate potential immune-related side effects may see no benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to improve outcomes for people with non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer who do not fully respond to BCG by using an engineered anti-CD40 antibody to boost immune activation against cancer cells. The work builds on existing therapies and includes preclinical models and clinical exploration to understand who benefits most and how to minimize side effects. Participants may be involved through prior or ongoing trials, tissue analyses, and potential future treatment options as the therapy advances. The research is conducted at a major cancer center with a focus on translating immune-based strategies into real-world care for NMIBC patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with NMIBC could experience better response rates and longer-lasting control of their cancer with fewer recurrences.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical models and early clinical work suggest potential benefit of CD40-agonist strategies, but broader confirmation is needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bochner, Bernard — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Bochner, Bernard
Related research
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HLA‑E/NKG2A immune 'brake' in early bladder cancer
The team is exploring whether targeting an immune 'brake' called HLA‑E/NKG2A can help people with non‑muscle‑invasive (early) bladder cancer who receive BCG therapy.
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.