After a bladder cancer diagnosis, you may hear about treatment options including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy. Alongside these established approaches, clinical trials may provide additional opportunities to explore.

In bladder cancer, clinical trials are important because they’re driving innovations in personalized treatments, surgical techniques, and immunotherapy. Joining a trial may provide access to therapies not yet widely available, while contributing to discoveries that improve care for future patients. Keep reading to learn more about clinical trials and how you can benefit from them.

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study designed to evaluate new approaches for preventing, detecting, or treating disease. Nearly every cancer drug that becomes available today has gone through this process. In bladder cancer specifically, clinical trials pushed the advancement of immunotherapy for nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer. Because patients volunteered, researchers learned how to harness the immune system to recognize and fight cancer, leading to treatments that have become the standard of care.

Are clinical trials safe?

Clinical trials are governed by strict regulations and extensive oversight. Before a study can begin, it must be reviewed by independent experts and ethics boards to ensure patient safety. Throughout the trial, participants are monitored closely with frequent visits, scans, and lab tests, often resulting in more hands-on attention than with standard care alone.

How can I find a clinical trial?

Your oncology team is the best place to start. They can tell you if there are trials that may be appropriate for your type and stage of bladder cancer. You can also search ClinicalTrials.gov, a government-run database of active studies. Advocacy groups like the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network provide additional guidance and may help you navigate options in a more patient-friendly way.

Many large cancer centers have dedicated research programs, and some provide assistance with logistics like travel or housing if a trial is not available locally. Social workers or patient navigators can also connect you with resources to help cover expenses.

How can I benefit from a clinical trial?

Joining a clinical trial may give you access to cutting-edge therapies years before they become widely available. For some patients, this means trying a promising new treatment that could improve outcomes or reduce side effects.

There are also practical benefits. In many cases, the trial sponsor covers the cost of the investigational treatment. Your insurance may also cover routine care related to the trial. If you don’t live near a clinical trial, travel or lodging can add expenses, but there are many support programs available to help offset costs.

Just as important, clinical trials contribute to future progress. By participating, you’re helping researchers improve treatments and opening the door to better care for future generations of patients facing bladder cancer.

Questions to ask your doctor

To help guide your discussion with your doctor, below are some questions to include in your conversation.

• Are there clinical trials available for my stage and type of bladder cancer?
• How might the trial treatment differ from the standard of care?
• What will my day-to-day routine look like on a clinical trial?
• What kind of monitoring or travel will be required?
• What resources are available to help with costs or logistics?

Joining a trial is always a personal choice. Even if you decide not to participate, learning about them helps you make a more informed treatment plan. 

If you would like to connect with an Outcomes4Me oncology nurse practitioner at no charge through the Outcomes4Me app, using the “Ask Outcomes4Me” button.