Our research into bladder cancer

We are improving the way bladder cancer is treated and helping patients live well for longer.

Our researchers led a historic clinical trial which changed how bladder cancer is treated, and we are developing new drugs and radiotherapy techniques to treat bladder cancer more effectively.

Header image: rainbow bladder, image credit: Frank C. Marini

Our progress against bladder cancer

Clinical trials

Researchers in our Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit (CTSU) led a landmark clinical trial which looked at different ways of giving radiotherapy to patients with bladder cancer.

The trial found that giving radiotherapy and chemotherapy at the same time helped stop bladder cancer from coming back, without causing more long term side effects.

This led to changes in clinical guidance, improving the quality of life for patients with bladder cancer.

Radiotherapy

We are improving how radiotherapy is used to treat bladder cancer.

In a recent study, our researchers showed that a shorter radiotherapy course with fewer but larger doses reduced the risk of bladder cancer coming back after treatment, with no increased risk of side effects, and would mean patients needing 12 fewer trips to hospital.

We are now strongly advocating for clinical guidance to be changed so that more patients can access the shorter radiotherapy course.

"Having a shorter course of radiotherapy, and fewer visits to hospital, made a massive difference to our lives during what was a very difficult time".
– Eric Edwards, 64

New drugs

We are pioneers in trialling new treatments for bladder cancer. Our researchers recently led a global clinical trial looking into a new type of cancer drug which acts as a ‘Trojan horse’ to get inside tumour cells and kill them.

Imaging

A recent study led by our researchers found that MRI scans could be used to help doctors focus radiotherapy more precisely towards tumours in the bladder, minimising damage to healthy tissue.

Support our research

As a UK charity, our life-saving research relies on the generosity of individuals and organisations. Our supporters help us make a difference to the lives of cancer patients and their families everywhere.

Make a donation today

5 10 25

A £10 donation each month can supply our team with equipment to undertake a number of tests/experiments

With GiftAid you'll also be able to add 25% at no extra cost to you

Please choose a donation amount.

5 10 25

A £10 donation each month can supply our team with equipment to undertake a number of tests/experiments

With GiftAid you'll also be able to add 25% at no extra cost to you

Please choose a donation amount.

Bladder cancer clinical trials

In our Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit (ICR-CTSU), we translate cutting-edge science into quality clinical trials that can transform cancer care.

Here are the latest trials that include patients with bladder cancer. If you or someone you know is a bladder cancer patient, then you may be able to support our research by taking part in a trial that’s “Open to recruitment”. Or see all clinical trials.