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NCT07061964 · National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Combining Immunotherapy and Radiation Therapy to Help Patients Avoid Bladder Removal After Treatment Shrinks Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer, BRIGHT Trial

What this study is about

This phase II trial tests the effect of giving pembrolizumab in combination with radiation therapy after chemotherapy in preventing surgery to remove the bladder in patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer. the usual treatment therapy includes chemotherapy before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink or get rid of the tumor.

View original scientific description

This phase II trial tests the effect of giving pembrolizumab in combination with radiation therapy after chemotherapy in preventing surgery to remove the bladder in patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer. Standard of care therapy includes chemotherapy before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink or get rid of the tumor.

Interventions

PROCEDURE

Biospecimen Collection

Undergo tissue, urine, and blood sample collection

PROCEDURE

Computed Tomography

Undergo CT

PROCEDURE

Cystoscopy

Undergo cystoscopy

PROCEDURE

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Undergo MRI

BIOLOGICAL

Pembrolizumab

Given IV

RADIATION

Photon Beam Radiation Therapy

Undergo photon beam RT

PROCEDURE

Positron Emission Tomography

Undergo PET

OTHER

Questionnaire Administration

Ancillary studies

PROCEDURE

Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor

Undergo TURBT

Primary outcome measures

Bladder intact event-free survival (BI-EFS)

Time frame: Within 3 years after registration

Will be evaluated as the percentage of participants who do not experience a BI-EFS event using a Kaplan-Meier estimate. A single-arm test of proportions will be used to test against the null hypothesis (true BI-EFS = 55%). Standard errors will be calculated using Greenwood's formula. If the upper bound of the one-sided 90% confidence interval includes 70%, then the radiation therapy + pembrolizumab regimen will be concluded to be active in this population.

Who can participate

This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.

Inclusion criteria

  • Participants must have histologic evidence of cT2-T4aN0M0 muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder within 180 days prior to starting neoadjuvant therapy (NAT)
  • Participants must have had CT chest/abdomen/pelvis (C/A/P), MRI C/A/P or PET within 60 days prior to starting NAT to determine cT2-T4aN0M0
  • Participants must have undergone TURBT with biopsy of areas of prior disease and systematic biopsies (left and right lateral, dome, posterior wall and trigone) and radiologic staging showing clinically T0-T1 disease within 60 days after the last dose of NAT. At least 4 out of 5 systematic biopsies must be performed
  • NOTE: This TURBT must be within 90 days prior to registration. Registration must be within 90 days after the last dose of NAT
  • Participants must have imaging of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis performed using CT or MRI preferably with contrast. Fludeoxyglucose F-18 (FDG) PET-CT can also be used for staging. If FDG PET-CT is used, then it is at the discretion of the investigator if they want to additionally obtain diagnostic CT or MRI with contrast within 60 days after the last dose of NAT
  • Participants with lymph nodes ≥ 1.0 cm in the shortest cross-sectional diameter on imaging (CT or MRI of abdomen and pelvis) after completion of NAT must have a PET-CT within 70 days prior to registration. A biopsy in the setting of negative PET-CT is not required unless there is strong clinical suspicion for nodal involvement with tumor. Participants with a positive PET are deemed ineligible unless a biopsy is performed and shows no evidence of tumor involvement
  • NOTE: For questions regarding the above eligibility criteria, please contact the study chairs in addition to the Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) Statistics and Data Management Center (SDMC)
  • Participants must not have evidence of ≥ T2, or N1-3, or M1 disease after NAT
  • Participants must not have the presence of small cell, neuroendocrine carcinoma, plasmacytoid variants on any pathology
  • Participants must not have had urothelial carcinoma or histological variant at any site outside of the urinary bladder within 24 months prior to registration except Ta/T1/carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the upper urinary tract, including renal pelvis or ureter if the participant underwent complete nephroureterectomy
  • NOTE: Participants with mixed variant histology will be eligible for the trial if the majority (\> 50%) of the tumor is urothelial cell carcinoma
  • Participants will be allowed to continue PD-1/L-1 inhibitor therapy received as part of standard of care neoadjuvant therapy while they undergo pre-registration assessments (TURBT and imaging)
  • Participants must have received at least 3 and no more than 6 cycles of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved NAT for MIBC. These include cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy (e.g. cisplatin and gemcitabine \[GC\] with or without PD-1/L1 inhibitors) dose dense or accelerated methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin and cisplatin (MVAC) or enfortumab vedotin with PD-1/L1 inhibitor
  • Participants must not have had anti-PD-1, anti PD-L1, anti PD-L2 or anti-CTLA4 antibody, any other antibody or drug targeting T-cell co-stimulation, enfortumab vedotin, or any other drug targeting nectin-4 other than for neoadjuvant treatment for MIBC
  • NOTE: Prior intravesical immunotherapy or chemotherapy for non-muscle invasive disease is allowed
  • Participants must not have had prior pelvic radiotherapy
  • Participants must not have received a live attenuated vaccination within 28 days prior to registration
  • Participants with conditions requiring immunosuppressive doses of steroids (\> 10 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent) or other immunosuppressive medications must not be taking steroids at time of trial registration
  • Participants must be ≥ 18 years old at the time of registration
  • Participants must have Zubrod performance status of 0-2
  • Participants must have a complete medical history and physical exam within 28 days prior to registration
  • Leukocytes ≥ 3 x 10\^3/uL (within 28 days prior to registration)
  • Absolute neutrophil count ≥ 1.5 x 10\^3/uL (within 28 days prior to registration)
  • Platelets ≥ 100 x 10\^3/uL (within 28 days prior to registration)
  • Total bilirubin ≤ institutional upper limit of normal (ULN) unless history of Gilbert's disease (within 28 days prior to registration)
  • Participants with history of Gilbert's disease must have total bilirubin ≤ 5 x institutional ULN
  • Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≤ 3 x institutional ULN (within 28 days prior to registration)
  • Participants must have a creatinine ≤ the institutional (I)ULN OR measured OR calculated creatinine clearance ≥ 40 mL/min using the following Cockcroft-Gault Formula. This specimen must have been drawn and processed within 28 days prior to registration
  • Participants with known history or current symptoms of cardiac disease, or history of treatment with cardiotoxic agents, should have a clinical risk assessment of cardiac function using the New York Heart Association Functional Classification. To be eligible for this trial, patients should be class II or better
  • Participants with a history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infection must be on effective anti-retroviral therapy at registration and have undetectable viral load test on the most recent test results obtained within 6 months prior to registration
  • For participants with evidence of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the HBV viral load must be undetectable on suppressive therapy, if indicated
  • Participants with a history of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection must have been treated and cured (defined as undetectable HCV viral load)
  • Participants must not have a prior or concurrent malignancy whose natural history or treatment (in the opinion of the treating physician) has the potential to interfere with the safety or efficacy assessment of the investigational regimen
  • Participants must not be pregnant or nursing (nursing includes breast milk fed to an infant by any means, including from the breast, milk expressed by hand, or pumped). Individuals who are of reproductive potential must have agreed to use an effective contraceptive method with details provided as a part of the consent process. A person who has had menses at any time in the preceding 12 consecutive months or who has semen likely to contain sperm is considered to be of "reproductive potential." In addition to routine contraceptive methods, "effective contraception" also includes refraining from sexual activity that might result in pregnancy and surgery intended to prevent pregnancy (or with a side-effect of pregnancy prevention) including hysterectomy, bilateral oophorectomy, bilateral tubal ligation/occlusion, and vasectomy with testing showing no sperm in the semen
  • Participants must be offered the opportunity to participate in specimen banking
  • Participants who can complete the PRO-CTCAE questionnaire in English or Spanish will be offered the opportunity to participate in the optional patient-reported outcome study
  • NOTE: As a part of the Oncology Patient Enrollment Network (OPEN) registration process the treating institution's identity is provided in order to ensure that the current (within 365 days) date of institutional review board approval for this study has been entered in the system
  • Participants must be informed of the investigational nature of this study and must sign and give informed consent in accordance with institutional and federal guidelines
  • For participants with impaired decision-making capabilities, legally authorized representatives may sign and give informed consent on behalf of study participants in accordance with applicable federal, local, and central institutional review board (CIRB) regulations

Where

  • Birmingham, Alabama
  • Gilbert, Arizona
  • Phoenix, Arizona
  • Fayetteville, Arkansas
  • Rogers, Arkansas
  • Springdale, Arkansas
  • Beverly Hills, California
  • Corona, California
  • Duarte, California
  • Irvine, California
  • Lancaster, California
  • Los Angeles, California

And 137 more locations — see the full list below.

Related conditions & keywords

Muscle Invasive Bladder Urothelial CarcinomaStage II Bladder Cancer AJCC v8Stage IIIA Bladder Cancer AJCC v8

Frequently asked questions

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.

Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Oct 1, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations

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1 of 111 participants interested
1% interest

See if this study fits

A short prescreen based on this study's listed criteria. A coordinator confirms eligibility — this is not a medical assessment.

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Study locations

Choose your preferred location, or select flexible during enrollment.

RECRUITING

Birmingham

Alabama

Location available
RECRUITING

Gilbert

Arizona

Location available
RECRUITING

Phoenix

Arizona

Location available
RECRUITING

Fayetteville

Arkansas

Location available
RECRUITING

Rogers

Arkansas

Location available
RECRUITING

Springdale

Arkansas

Location available
RECRUITING

Beverly Hills

California

Location available
RECRUITING

Corona

California

Location available
RECRUITING

Duarte

California

Location available

And 172 more locations available.

Express your interest

Share your contact details and a study coordinator can follow up about screening.

Secure & Confidential

Your information is protected and will only be shared with the research team.

What participation can include

  • Study-related care provided by the research team
  • Close monitoring by medical professionals
  • Possible compensation for time and travel*
  • The option to withdraw at any time
  • Contributing to medical research that may help future patients

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Typical next steps

  1. 1.Submit this form
  2. 2.Phone screening
  3. 3.In-person assessment if eligible
  4. 4.Begin participation

Find More Bladder Cancer Trials by City

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Looking for Bladder Cancer Treatment in Birmingham?

Join others in Alabama exploring innovative treatment options through clinical research

Bladder Cancer Treatment Options in Birmingham, Alabama

If you're searching for Bladder Cancer treatment in Birmingham, participating in a clinical research study may provide access to innovative approaches under expert medical supervision. This study is actively recruiting participants in Birmingham, Gilbert, Phoenix and surrounding areas.

Clinical trials offer participants the opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatments while contributing to medical research that may help future patients with Bladder Cancer. All study-related care is provided at no cost to participants.

Local Sites
3 locations in Alabama
Now Enrolling
Up to 111 participants
Quick Start
Screening available now

Why Consider a Clinical Trial for Bladder Cancer?

Potential Benefits

  • ✓Access to new treatment approaches before public availability
  • ✓Close monitoring by experienced medical professionals
  • ✓Study-related care provided at no cost
  • ✓Contribute to medical research for Bladder Cancer

What to Expect

  • →Initial screening to determine eligibility
  • →Regular check-ups and monitoring visits
  • →Possible compensation for time and travel
  • →You can withdraw at any time

Frequently Asked Questions About This Bladder Cancer Study

Important Clinical Trial Information

This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical trial participation involves potential risks and benefits. Eligibility requirements apply and will be assessed during the screening process.

Study identifier: NCT07061964. For complete study details, visit ClinicalTrials.gov. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions about your medical care or participating in clinical research.