Testing a new treatment for non-invasive bladder cancer using targeted drug delivery

A Phase I trial of cancer-targeting micelles for non-myoinvasive bladder cancer

NIH-funded research VA Boston Health Care System · NIH-11118660

This study is testing a new way to treat non-invasive bladder cancer by using tiny carriers to deliver a chemotherapy drug directly to the cancer cells, and it's designed for patients with this specific type of cancer to see how safe it is and what the right dose should be for future treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVA Boston Health Care System NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11118660 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to conduct a Phase I clinical trial to evaluate a new treatment for non-invasive bladder cancer using specially designed micelles that deliver the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel directly to cancer cells. The micelles are coated with a targeting ligand that helps them specifically bind to bladder cancer cells, potentially improving treatment effectiveness. Patients will receive this innovative therapy to assess its safety and determine the appropriate dosage for future studies. The trial is particularly focused on patients with non-myoinvasive bladder cancer, which is a common form of this disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with non-myoinvasive bladder cancer who have not responded adequately to existing treatments.

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

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective treatment option for patients with non-invasive bladder cancer, potentially reducing recurrence rates.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using targeted drug delivery systems for cancer treatment, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

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.
Conditions Bladder Cancer
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.