Testing new immunotherapy for bladder cancer that comes back after treatment
Official title: Phase 1/2 Study of Modern Immunotherapy in BCG-Relapsing Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder - (ADAPT-BLADDER)
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10861714 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with bladder cancer that has come back after regular treatment, by combining immunotherapy with BCG and radiation to see if it works better, while also checking how safe it is and using genetic information to help decide on the best treatment for each patient.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2019 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $243,567 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA235681-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10861714 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer who have experienced a relapse after BCG treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer or those who have not previously received BCG treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to treating bladder cancer that has returned after standard treatment with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). It focuses on combining immunotherapy with BCG and radiation to improve outcomes for patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. The study will assess the safety and effectiveness of these combinations and explore the use of genomic biomarkers to guide treatment decisions. Patients will be monitored closely to evaluate their response to the therapy and any side effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients with bladder cancer that has relapsed after BCG therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results with immunotherapy approaches in bladder cancer, indicating potential for success with this novel combination strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hahn, Noah M — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Hahn, Noah M
Related research
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A study at Tuskegee University will look at the molecules inside high-grade bladder cancer to discover new markers and potential treatment targets.
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Improved 3D guidance for kidney-sparing endoscopic UTUC treatment
A Vanderbilt team is testing a new 3D-guided approach to precisely locate and treat upper tract urothelial cancer during kidney-sparing endoscopic procedures.
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.