Freeze and fight: new combo tackles metastatic bladder cancer

NCT ID NCT04701918

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

Summary

This completed phase 2 trial tested a combination of cryoablation (freezing tumors with a needle) and immunotherapy drugs (pembrolizumab or avelumab) in 9 people with metastatic bladder cancer. The goal was to see if this approach could shrink tumors that were not frozen. The study measured how well the treatment worked and tracked side effects.

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) or avelumab (Bavencio) plus cryoablation

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a new combination treatment that helps control metastatic bladder cancer by freezing tumors and boosting the immune system.

What could go wrong

This is a very small, early-phase trial with only 9 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The combination may cause side effects or not improve outcomes.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

transitional cell carcinoma urinary bladder carcinoma Urinary Bladder Neoplasms urothelial carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States

  • Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States