Keytruda may let some bladder cancer patients avoid bladder removal

NCT ID NCT05406713

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: Matthew Galsky Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This phase 2 trial is testing whether the immunotherapy drug Keytruda (pembrolizumab) can help people with muscle-invasive bladder cancer avoid having their bladder removed. About 46 participants will receive two cycles of Keytruda, then doctors will check if the cancer has completely responded. Those who respond well will continue Keytruda and be monitored closely, while others will proceed with standard treatments like surgery or radiation.

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)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could offer a way for some patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer to keep their bladder while still controlling the cancer.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 46 participants. The treatment may not work for everyone, and some patients may still need surgery or face side effects from immunotherapy.

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 transitional cell carcinoma urothelial carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

LOCALIZED CANCER MUSCLE INVASIVE BLADDER CARCINOMA UROTHELIAL CARCINOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

City of Hope

Duarte, California, 91010, United States
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

New York, New York, 10029, United States
Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center

Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States
University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center

Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87102, United States

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