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Bladder Cancer Research

Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University is leading the way in bladder cancer research. Find out how our patients can benefit from our clinical trials.

Researching Bladder Cancer Developing Novel Therapies at Winship

Cutting-edge research is changing the narrative around bladder cancer, leading to longer, healthier outcomes. Over the past few years, the relative bladder cancer survival rate has improved, and it’s poised to continue increasing, thanks to research being done at leading cancer centers like Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.

We’re honored to be one of a select number of National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the country developing and collaborating on lifesaving bladder cancer research initiatives.

Types of Bladder Cancer Research

Bladder cancer research enables the development of new treatments. As a matter of fact, we’re currently studying immunotherapy for bladder cancer with the expectation that we may be able to apply it to more and more cancers in the coming years. Winship teams are also doing important work to unlock the potential of intravesical gene therapy, a type of treatment that is introduced directly into the bladder via catheter to change cancer cells’ genes to stop them from growing and progressing. We are also studying better ways to deliver chemotherapy into the bladder for some patients. And we use outcomes research — which involves analyzing massive amounts of data from institutional and national databases to identify which treatments are working for bladder cancer in patients across the country — to help inform our treatment decisions.

Of course, treatment research is only part of the story. Through research, we’re also continuing to gain a better understanding of bladder cancer and how to effectively and completely diagnose it. Winship genitourinary cancer researchers and scientists are leading the way and changing how the world prevents, detects, diagnoses, treats and survives bladder cancers. We pioneer discoveries in the lab that are translated into the latest most effective treatments in the clinic. Our bench-to-bedside research in bladder cancers enables us to discover, develop and deliver game-changing procedures, technologies, diagnostics and treatments. As a result, Winship is advancing bladder cancer research in every area, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, side effect reduction, recurrence and more.

Bladder Cancer Clinical Trials

Besides standard therapy, many Winship patients with bladder cancer are eligible to participate in a clinical trial. Clinical trials are controlled studies that test new interventions on a disease, such as bladder cancer. They offer participants early access to novel treatments that are not yet commercially available.

Participating in Bladder Cancer Research

Clinical trials are the third step of a five-step process for testing new therapies as outlined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). By the time a therapy comes to clinical trial, it has been tested in a laboratory setting and has passed preclinical safety standards.

As a research center, our physicians and scientists will make every effort to match you with a clinical trial that targets your unique cancer. It’s best if you enroll from the very beginning, so let your doctor know on your first visit if you’re interested in learning more about a clinical trial. Most clinical trials are supplemental, meaning you’ll still receive the standard therapy in addition to any treatment being studied.

Support for Clinical Trial Participation

Winship conducts bladder cancer research at the following locations:

We welcome trial participants from all over Georgia and beyond. Talk with your doctor about whether you are eligible to participate in a clinical trial. Our supportive oncology team can assist you with services, such as finding affordable accommodations near Winship for the duration of your clinical trial.