Could a pill shrink bladder tumors before surgery?

NCT ID NCT03914794

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 2 trial tested pemigatinib, a daily pill that blocks certain growth signals, in 30 people with recurrent low- or intermediate-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Participants took the drug for 4-6 weeks before their standard surgery to remove bladder tumors. The main goal was to see if the drug could make tumors disappear completely before surgery.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: pemigatinib (a drug that blocks certain growth signals in cancer cells)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new treatment option for people with recurrent low- or intermediate-risk bladder cancer, potentially reducing the need for repeated surgeries.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 30 participants. The drug may not work for everyone, and side effects are possible. Results may not apply to all bladder cancer patients.

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.

non-invasive bladder urothelial carcinoma Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Neoplasms 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.

BLADDER CANCER NMIBC NON-MUSCLE INVASIVE BLADDER CANCER UROTHELIAL CARCINOMA RECURRENT

Contacts and locations

Locations

Associated Medical Professionals Urology

Syracuse, New York, 13210, United States
Carolina Urologic Research Center

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 29572, United States
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine - Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center

Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, United States
Keystone Urology

Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 17604, United States
Midlantic Urology

Bala-Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, 19004, United States
Sibley Memorial Hospital

Washington D.C., District of Columbia, 20016, United States

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