Bladder cancer is the ninth most common cancer globally and ranks thirteenth in mortality.

This FAQ explores the developments in bladder cancer treatment, focusing on innovative drugs, ongoing clinical trials, and their potential impact on patient outcomes.

1. What is the global incidence of bladder cancer and how does it vary across different regions?

In 2022, bladder cancer accounted for over 614,000 new cases and more than 220,000 bladder cancer deaths worldwide. The incidence of bladder cancer varies significantly across regions, with Europe reporting the highest number of cases, followed by Asia and North America. Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Oceania reported lower incidences. These regional disparities highlight the importance of tailored prevention and treatment strategies to effectively address the global burden of bladder cancer.

2. What are the treatment options for bladder cancer?

Treatment options for bladder cancer include dose-dense methotrexate vinBLASTine DOXOrubicin ciSplatin (ddMVAC) with growth factor support for neoadjuvant chemotherapy and cisplatin-based regimens for metastatic disease, as recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) 2024 guidelines. Avelumab is suggested for maintenance therapy. The ESMO 2023 guidelines recommend cisplatin-based therapies for muscle-invasive bladder cancer and pembrolizumab for patients with disease progression after chemotherapy. In Asia, clinicians primarily follow the NCCN guidelines for standardized care.

3. What are the recent trends in clinical trials for bladder cancer, particularly in terms of geographical distribution and patient recruitment?

Recent trends in clinical trials for bladder cancer show that since 2019, the biotech and biopharma industry initiated over 1,500 bladder cancer clinical trials, globally. North America led in trial activity, followed by Asia-Pacific and Europe, with moderate contributions from other regions. The United States and Mainland China were key contributors in their respective regions, while Spain and Israel also saw significant research efforts. Europe showed higher patient recruitment rates per site due to multi-country trials, offering access to a larger patient pool and experienced trial centers.

4. What are the latest breakthroughs in bladder cancer research and precision medicine, and how are they improving outcomes?

Advancements in bladder cancer research focus on immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and gene therapy, leading to improved diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. Immunotherapy, including checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapies, shows promise for advanced cases. Targeted therapies like tyrosine kinase and FGFR inhibitors offer more precise treatments, while combination therapies enhance the effects of chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. Emerging gene therapy aims to correct genetic defects by targeting and destroying cancer cells, paving the way for better patient outcomes and quality of life.

5. How are public and venture funding initiatives impacting bladder cancer treatment accessibility?

Public and NGO funding initiatives have played a crucial role in advancing bladder cancer care by increasing access to vaccination, screening, and treatment on a global scale. Organizations like the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) have dedicated significant resources to improving healthcare infrastructure and promoting early detection. These efforts are focused on reducing the global impact of bladder cancer, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, by ensuring that more individuals can access life-saving treatments and care.