New study probes immune changes in bladder cancer before surgery

NCT ID NCT03978624

Ongoing Knowledge-focused Sponsor: UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 2 trial is testing how the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) alone or with entinostat affects immune markers in people with muscle-invasive bladder cancer who cannot or choose not to have standard chemotherapy. Twenty participants receive the drugs before their scheduled bladder removal surgery. The goal is to measure changes in immune gene activity, not to treat the cancer directly.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and entinostat
What this could lead to: If successful, this study could reveal which immune markers predict better responses to these drugs, guiding future treatment for bladder cancer.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase study focused on biological changes, not on curing or controlling the disease. Results may not lead to new treatments.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

infiltrating bladder urothelial carcinoma urinary bladder carcinoma Urinary Bladder Neoplasms

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BLADDER CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Fox Chase Cancer Center

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19111, United States
Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States

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