New drug combo shows promise for tough bladder cancer

NCT ID NCT03258593

Completed Disease control Sponsor: National Cancer Institute (NCI) Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This early-phase trial tested two drugs—durvalumab and vicineum—in 15 people with high-grade non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer that had not responded to standard BCG treatment. The goal was to see if the combination is safe and can help the immune system fight the cancer. Participants received the drugs for up to 2 years, with regular check-ups and tumor samples.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: durvalumab (Imfinzi) and vicineum (oportuzumab monatox)
What this could lead to: If it works, this combination could offer a new treatment option for people with early-stage bladder cancer that hasn't responded to standard therapy.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small phase 1 trial with only 15 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The main goal is safety, not proof of effectiveness, and side effects are possible.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for HIGH-GRADE NON-MUSCLE INVASIVE UROTHELIAL CARCINOMA OF THE BLADDER are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

in situ carcinoma non-invasive bladder urothelial carcinoma urinary bladder neoplasm Urinary Bladder Neoplasms

As listed by the trial registrant

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

URINARY BLADDER NEOPLASMS

Contacts and locations

Locations

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.