5 Things to Know About Bladder Cancer

While everyone knows someone affected by cancer, many people want to believe it won't happen to them. But, when it comes to your health, it's always best to be prepared and proactive. And particularly in the case of cancer detection, the sooner you know, the more options you'll have.

That's why for Bladder Cancer Awareness Month this May, ImmunityBio's Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs, Bruce Brown, M.D., is sharing the top five things you need to know about risks, early detection and treatment to keep in mind during the month of May and onward.

1. Risk factors

Certain factors increase the risk of developing bladder cancer, some more commonly than others. Smoking is the most significant risk factor, but others include exposure to harmful chemicals, chronic bladder inflammation, and a history of bladder infections. Some bladder cancer is hereditary, and your genes and family history can also play a role in increased risk.

Key Takeaway: Do what you can to minimize risk. Cut out smoking, decrease chemical exposure, and be sure your doctor is aware of chronic health issues and that you are familiar with your own family's history with bladder cancer.

2. Signs and symptoms

There are a number of symptoms of bladder cancer to look out for, such as blood in urine, frequent urination, pain during urination, and back pain. Other more general symptoms can appear in the form of weight loss, fatigue and loss of appetite. While these symptoms can have a variety of causes, it's important to seek medical attention if you experience them.

Key Takeaway: Watch out for these symptoms, and don't brush them off if you experience them. Speak to your doctor as soon as you start to notice issues.

3. Early detection

Catching bladder cancer early can be critical for successful treatment and preventing its spread into muscles and surrounding tissues. For those with risk factors or a family history, consider talking to your doctor or urologist about screening. Bladder cancer screening typically involves urine tests, cystoscopy (a procedure to look inside the bladder), and imaging tests like CT scans and MRI.

Key Takeaway: Regular screenings may be beneficial, because if bladder cancer is caught early, it can be easier to treat. Speak with your doctor about when you should start screening.

4. New treatment options

If you are diagnosed with bladder cancer, fortunately there are treatment options available, especially if you are diagnosed with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). The most common type of bladder cancer, NMIBC grows on the lining of the bladder but has not yet spread to the muscle underneath.

The standard of care for NMIBC is a medicine called Bacillus Calmette-Guérin, or BCG, which is infused by catheter into the bladder. However, around 30-40% of patients don't respond to BCG, and about 50% who initially respond eventually see a recurrence of cancer. These are called BCG-unresponsive patients.

Thankfully for BCG-unresponsive patients, recent treatment innovations have provided a reason for hope. In 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an immunotherapy called ANKTIVA^® (nogapendekin alfa inbakicept-pmln) that, when combined with BCG, restores the immune system's cancer-fighting activity in patients with BCG-unresponsive NMIBC with carcinoma in situ (CIS), with or without papillary tumors.

In a clinical trial, about three out of five patients (62%) had a complete response to ANKTIVA plus BCG, meaning all signs of the cancer disappeared. A similar percentage of patients (58%) had a complete response that lasted for one year or longer, and two out of five patients (40%) continued to remain cancer free after two years of treatment. Side effects patients experienced were mild and temporary. The most common side effects were fatigue, nausea, bladder irritation and diarrhea.

Key Takeaway: Advancements in treatment have improved bladder cancer prognoses in recent years, so patients are not forced to choose between tough treatment choices like chemotherapy or cystectomy (the removal of your bladder). Ask your doctor about immunotherapy treatment options like BCG with ANKTIVA, even if BCG did not work at first.

5. Be your own best advocate

One of the best things you can do as a patient, before and after a diagnosis, is advocate for yourself. Remain determined to get the treatment you need and work closely with your doctor to discuss the best options for you.

Key Takeaway: Remember that you and your doctor are partners in your care journey. Take control of your health and stay engaged with your doctor to design a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle.

This article is sponsored by ImmunityBio, Inc.

ANKTIVA Indication and Important Safety Information

Patients treated with ANKTIVA plus BCG may still be at risk for more serious muscle-invasive or metastatic bladder cancer, which can be life threatening if bladder removal is delayed. If you don't respond to a second round of ANKTIVA with BCG, bladder removal surgery should be considered. Before starting ANKTIVA, tell your doctor if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant as ANKTIVA may cause fetal harm. Common side effects include abnormal laboratory results, increased creatinine, painful urination, blood in urine, frequent urination, urgent need to urinate, urinary tract infections, high potassium, muscle pain, chills, and fever.

For more information, visit Anktiva dot com or call 1-877-ANKTIVA. (1-877-265-8482).

US-ANK-250004 May 2025