Could a pill shrink bladder tumors before surgery?

NCT ID NCT03914794

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.

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.

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.

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