NCT06586255 · Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine
Adjuvant Concurrent Immunotherapy and Radiotherapy for the Treatment of Bladder Cancer
What this study is about
The primary objective of this Phase I study is to establish the safety of adjuvant concurrent immunotherapy and radiation therapy for urothelial bladder cancer.
View original scientific description
The primary objective of this Phase I study is to establish the safety of adjuvant concurrent immunotherapy and radiation therapy for urothelial bladder cancer.
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
- Pure or mixed variant urothelial carcinoma o Allowable mixed variant subtypes include:
- squamous differentiation
- glandular differentiation
- nested pattern
- microcystic
- micropapillary
- lymphoepthelioma-like
- plasmacytoid and lymphoma-like
- sarcomatoid/carcinosarcoma
- trophoblastic differentiation
- undifferentiated
- Radical cystectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection within the prior 48 weeks
- Pathologic T3 or higher stage disease, any N, M0 (AJCC, 7th Ed., Appendix C)
- Receiving adjuvant checkpoint inhibitor therapy
- No clinical evidence of residual or recurrent disease based on the following minimum diagnostic work-up within 3 months of a patient's consent to participate.
- History and physical examination
- Chest imaging by x-ray (PA and lateral views), CT scan (with or without IV contrast) or as part of a FDG PET-CT;
- Axial abdominal and pelvic imaging by MRI (preferably with gadolinium), CT scan (with or without IV contrast) or as part of a FDG PET-CT;
- Patients with microscopically involved (positive) surgical margins, but no grossly evident residual disease by imaging or physical exam are eligible.
- The patient is a candidate for definitive external beam radiotherapy;
- No prior radiotherapy to the region of study;
- No inflammatory bowel disease, active collagen vascular or connective tissue disorders, and no other medical or social contraindications to radiotherapy, as determined by a participating radiation oncologist;
- Age greater than or equal to 18 years
- ECOG performance status: 0-2
- Concurrent non-investigational medications will be permitted
- In addition to diagnostic staging scan, patient will be considered eligible only if he/she has a CT simulation scan that does not show any evidence of recurrent disease
- Informed consent: Patients must have the ability to understand and be willing to sign the study-specific informed consent indicating their understanding of the investigational nature and the risks of this study before any of the protocol related studies are performed (this does not include routine laboratory testing or imaging studies required to establish study eligibility)
Exclusion criteria
- Urinary diversion with an orthotopic neobladder
- History of inflammatory bowel disease
- Prior partial or complete small bowel obstruction either before or after radical cystectomy
- Prior radiotherapy to the pelvis; o Prior radiation therapy for a different cancer or disease process is allowed, provided there will be no overlap of radiation therapy fields between the participant's prior and current course of radiation therapy, radiotherapy was completed more than four weeks from enrolling in this study.
- Planned concurrent chemotherapy or other investigational drug to be given with radiation treatments o Prior chemotherapy or investigational drug for bladder cancer or a different cancer is allowed, provided that:
- The therapy was completed more than two weeks prior to the start of adjuvant pelvic radiation
- The participant has recovered to Grade ≤1 toxicity from agents previously administered, excluding toxicities that would not be expected to impact eligibility for radiation therapy including but not limited to neuropathy, alopecia and hearing loss.
- Subtotal surgical resection with clinically evident residual disease by physical exam or axial imaging.
- Prior or concurrent second invasive malignancy that, in the judgment of the investigator, may affect interpretation of the results.
- Known severe, active co-morbidity, defined as follows: o Any clinically significant unrelated systemic illness, medical condition, or other factor, which at the discretion of the Principal Investigators, would interfere in the safe and timely completion of study procedures, compromise the patient's ability to tolerate the protocol therapy, or is likely to interfere with the study procedures or results.
- Patients who experienced Grade 3+ GI toxicity due to surgery or nivolumab prior to enrollment in the trial
Where
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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 May 14, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations