Neoadjuvant Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Treatment in Urothelial Cancer
This study is investigating a new way to treat certain cancers in the urinary system, such as bladder or kidney cancers, before surgery. It uses a drug called atezolizumab. This drug helps your body's own defence system, called the immune system, to find and attack cancer cells. Researchers want to see if atezolizumab can shrink tumours, which might make surgery more successful. The study is looking at both common and rarer types of these cancers. Taking part would involve receiving the drug and then having your planned surgery, followed by a couple of check-up visits over two years. Your decision to join won't delay your surgery, and the team will be comparing results to see if the medicine is safe and helps patients.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When people have certain cancers in their urinary system, like in the bladder or kidney, they often need surgery to remove the tumour. This study is exploring if giving a special drug called atezolizumab before the surgery can make a difference. Atezolizumab is a type of immunotherapy. This means it works by boosting your body's natural immune system – the system that fights off infections and illnesses. The drug helps your immune cells recognise and attack the cancer cells, which they sometimes struggle to do on their own.
The main goal is to see if atezolizumab can shrink the tumour before surgery. If the tumour is smaller, it might make the surgery easier or more effective. The study is looking at two groups of people: one with the most common type of urinary system cancer (called transitional cell carcinoma), and another with rarer types of these cancers. Information from this study could help doctors understand if this treatment should be offered more widely in the future.
It's important to know that this study is happening in hospitals across the UK, France, and Spain. The care you receive will be closely monitored by a medical team. Many of the check-ups and procedures are similar to those you'd have as part of your standard care, so joining the study shouldn't cause any delays to your surgery.
Key takeaways
- New drug (atezolizumab) explores shrinking urinary cancers before surgery.
- Aims to boost your body's immune system to fight cancer.
- Study includes common and rarer types of urinary system cancer.
- Participation involves drug doses, planned surgery, and follow-up for 2 years.
- Will not delay your surgery; many procedures are standard care.
- You can withdraw from the study at any time.
Who may be eligible?
You might be able to join this study if you are at least 18 years old and have been diagnosed with certain types of cancer in your urinary system, such as in your bladder, kidney, or the tubes connecting them (ureters). This includes both common and some rarer forms of these cancers. Your medical team will need to confirm that your cancer requires surgery with the aim of curing it.
The study is for people whose cancer hasn't spread to other parts of the body (N0 or M0 disease). You would also need to have tumour tissue available for testing. Importantly, this study is for those who cannot have or choose not to have standard chemotherapy treatment before surgery.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years or older?
- Do you have certain types of cancer in your bladder, kidney, or ureter?
- Is your cancer planned for surgery to remove it?
- Has your cancer not spread to distant parts of your body?
- Are you unable to have or have chosen not to have standard chemotherapy before surgery?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to join this study, you would receive up to two doses of the drug atezolizumab, given three weeks apart, before your planned surgery. Around 4 to 8 weeks after joining the study, you would have your operation, which might be to remove your bladder (cystectomy) or part of your kidney and ureter (nephroureterectomy or distal ureteral resection), just as would happen in standard practice.
After your surgery, you will have three follow-up hospital visits, at 4, 12, and 24 weeks. The study team will then continue to follow your health and progress for the next two years. During this time, they will compare your scan results, blood tests, and tumour samples from before and after receiving atezolizumab to understand how well the drug worked and if it was safe. Taking part in this study will not delay your planned surgery.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Barts and London Hospital NHS TrustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is atezolizumab?
Atezolizumab is a drug that helps your body’s immune system find and fight cancer cells more effectively.
Will taking part delay my surgery?
No, participating in this study will not delay your planned surgery. Many of the procedures are part of standard care.
What kind of cancer does this study focus on?
This study focuses on certain cancers in the urinary system, such as bladder, kidney, and ureter cancers, before surgery.
How many doses of the drug will I receive?
You will receive up to two doses of atezolizumab, given three weeks apart, before your surgery.
Can I leave the study if I change my mind?
Yes, you can withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting the care you receive.
How to find out more
ABACUS-2 Trial Coordinator
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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