Health Insights

A New Era in Bladder Cancer Treatment

What is NMIBC?

Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC) affects thousands of Americans yearly. It develops in the bladder's inner lining and does not invade the muscle wall. While treatable, NMIBC often recurs, and when standard therapies fail, patients face invasive procedures like bladder removal (cystectomy). These surgeries can have a major impact on your quality of life, but they also come with risks, including the possibility of serious complications during or after the procedure.

For high-risk NMIBC patients, the limited availability of effective treatments has long been a challenge. Many have been left searching for options that don’t require major surgery or compromise their lifestyle.

Highlighting the Breakthrough

ADSTILADRIN® (nadofaragene firadenovec) is the first FDA-approved gene therapy for a urological cancer, offering new hope for NMIBC patients. This therapy is designed specifically for high-risk NMIBC that no longer responds to Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy.

At the UC Cancer Center ADSTILADRIN is now part of the standard care for NMIBC patients. Additionally, our Cancer Center offers clinical trials exploring its use in intermediate-risk NMIBC and for sub-categories of high-risk NMIBC. These trials are exclusive to the UC Cancer Center in Cincinnati, giving local patients access to cutting-edge research and new treatments without leaving their community.

ADSTILADRIN: A Revolutionary Approach

What is ADSTILADRIN?

ADSTILADRIN represents a breakthrough in bladder cancer treatment. It uses gene therapy to send a special gene called the interferon alfa-2b gene directly into bladder cells. This gene makes a protein that helps the immune system attack cancer cells.

The therapy uses a changed virus to deliver the gene into the bladder, where it helps trigger the body’s defense against tumor

ADSTILADRIN is given directly into the bladder through intravesical instillation, a simple outpatient procedure. The therapy uses a changed virus to deliver the gene into the bladder, where it helps trigger the body’s defense against tumors. This targeted approach minimizes side effects and improves outcomes for patients with NMIBC.

How it Works

ADSTILADRIN works in a simple way. It uses a modified virus to carry a special gene into bladder cells. Once inside, the gene helps the bladder cells make a protein that strengthens the immune system to fight cancer.

Key Benefits

1. Effectiveness
   • Clinical trials show that 50% of patients achieved a complete response at three months, meaning no detectable cancer remained. This success offers renewed hope for those with high-risk NMIBC.
     (Source: Adstiladrin Efficacy Report)
2. Bladder Preservation
   • For many high-risk NMIBC patients, complete removal of the bladder  has been the only viable treatment option. Gene therapy provides an effective alternative, allowing patients to preserve their bladder and avoid the risks of major surgery.
     (Source: Ferring Pharmaceuticals Data)
3. Convenience and Tolerability
   • The therapy is delivered during a quick outpatient visit. Most patients experience minimal side effects, making the treatment both effective and manageable.
     (Source: UroToday Explanation)

Why Choose the UC Cancer Center for Bladder Cancer Treatment?

Exclusive Access

The UC Cancer Center is the only cancer center in Cincinnati offering new innovative treatments like ADSTILADRIN. Patients can access this therapy as part of standard care or through clinical trials exclusive to the center. One of these trials explore ADSTILADRIN’s potential for treating intermediate-risk NMIBC, expanding its reach to even more patients. Another other trial is investigating ADSTILLADRIN in combination with other medications for a subcategory of patients with high-risk NMIBC.

Expertise in Gene Therapy

Patients at the UC Cancer Center benefit from the expertise of skilled specialists. Dr. Alberto Martini, a urologic oncologist, trained at MD Anderson Cancer Center and worked alongside Dr. Colin Dinney, who was instrumental in developing ADSTILADRIN. During his fellowship, Dr. Martini conducted research on gene therapy for bladder cancer, adding to his extensive expertise.

Comprehensive Patient Care

The UC Cancer Center supports patients at every stage of their treatment journey. From the initial consultation to post-treatment follow-ups,  we ensure patients feel informed, supported, and confident in their care. Counseling, monitoring, and personalized care plans are all part of the experience we offer.

Transforming the Outlook for Bladder Cancer Patients

Hope for Bladder Cancer Patients

ADSTILADRIN offers a powerful alternative for patients who previously had limited options. For those facing high-risk NMIBC, it can eliminate the need for bladder removal while providing effective cancer control.

We are also studying ADSTILADRIN in intermediate-risk NMIBC patients through clinical trials. This gives those patients a unique chance to benefit from cutting-edge treatment that is otherwise unavailable in the region.

Improving Quality of Life

Gene therapy doesn’t just treat bladder cancer—it improves the lives of those it helps. By avoiding invasive surgeries like cystectomy, patients can maintain their routines, relationships, and independence.

With minimal side effects and convenient outpatient treatment, ADSTILADRIN allows patients to focus on living, not on their cancer.

Take the Next Step

If you or a loved one is living with bladder cancer, the UC Cancer Center has exclusive access to new treatments like ADSTILADRIN®, providing a path to better outcomes and a brighter future.

Contact us today to learn more about your eligibility or schedule a consultation by calling 513-307-3809.