Anne Schuckman, MD, outlines current challenges in NMIBC care

The treatment landscape for non–muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is rapidly evolving. In the context of this innovative landscape, Anne K. Schuckman, MD, recently spoke with Urology Times® about the current challenges in delivering optimal care for patients with NMIBC.

She noted that these challenges differ between academic institutions and community practices. For academic institutions, for example, Schuckman cited challenges in the fact that many therapies are only offered in a trial setting, as well as the fact that the therapeutic window for patients to qualify for these drugs is quite narrow. For community practices, challenges may include a lack of access to clinical trials and the cost of new therapies.

Schuckman is an associate professor of urology at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

Schuckman also explained that the current challenge for patients is just the sheer number of new therapies. With 3 FDA approvals since 2020 and many more agents in development, urologists and patients now have a wealth of therapeutic options. While this a good problem to have, Schuckman emphasized the importance of finding a urologist who offers multiple therapies, so that patients can ensure that they are getting the best option for their individual situation.