Targeted Internal Radiation and Immune Therapy for Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
Official title: Treating Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Using the Sodium/Iodide Symporter to Deliver Targeted Internal Radiation Therapy along with Intravesical Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor and Oncolytic Reovirus
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11280102 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to help people with early bladder cancer that doesn’t respond to current therapy by using a novel intravesical treatment that combines targeted radiation, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and oncolytic virus to trigger a strong anti-cancer response.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $709,630 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA308406-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11280102 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer that is refractory or recurrent after BCG therapy, in the future small-animal-to-human translational steps.
✕Less likely to help
Not applicable yet; based on preclinical models, direct patient benefit is contingent on later clinical testing.
What this research studies
This project tests a new treatment approach in preclinical bladder cancer models that delivers targeted radiation inside the bladder and boosts the body’s immune attack against cancer cells. It uses a combination of an engineered sodium/iodide transporter to concentrate radiation in bladder tumors, an intravesical oncolytic reovirus, and immune checkpoint inhibitors to enhance anti-tumor immunity. By studying how these components reshape the tumor environment, researchers hope to find a safe and effective strategy for BCG-refractory NMIBC. Because the work is in animal models, the focus is on understanding mechanisms and optimizing delivery before any human trials. If successful, this could pave the way for future clinical testing in patients with NMIBC who need better options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a new therapeutic option for NMIBC patients who do not respond to BCG, potentially improving tumor control and reducing progression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work supports that intravesical therapies and immune approaches can modify the tumor environment, but this exact combination in NMIBC is novel and exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carrasco, Nancy — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Carrasco, Nancy
Related research
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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
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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.