Tobacco cessation critical to preventing bladder cancer recurrence

The priority review decision is based on results of the phase 3 NIAGARA study (NCT03732677).

In this episode, Ashish M. Kamat, MD, MBBS, highlights the state of bladder cancer care in recognition of Bladder Cancer Awareness Month.

“The combination of pembrolizumab and chemotherapy presents a promising new treatment approach for these challenging-to-treat, rare cancers and could be a major breakthrough for patient care,” says Arnold I. Chin, MD, PhD.

“It's not a replacement for clinical judgment, obviously. But at the end of the day, the idea is that it shows you what your next steps are based on what the American Urological Association and [Society of Urologic Oncology] guidelines are for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer,” Chad R. Ritch, MD, MBA, FACS.

At the time of data cutoff, 71% of patients achieved a complete response following treatment.

"Together, the data point to the exciting potential for this combination regimen to be used to treat patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer," says Roger Li, MD.