Bladder cancer clinical trial opens to patients

A bladder cancer clinical trial led by scientists at the University of Sheffield and funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research is now recruiting patients.

The 'BRAVO' study, led by Professor James Catto from the University of Sheffield's Department of Oncology and Metabolism will compare two types of treatment for aggressive bladder cancer.

Patient with tumours that are detected before the cancer has invaded muscle can be treated with immediate bladder removal, called cystectomy, or bladder-preserving therapy known as BCG.

Bladder-preserving therapy is the standard approach and involves a three-year treatment plan, but only a third of patients complete the course due to side effects and a quarter go on to need a cystectomy anyway.

The issue has been raised by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as one of the top five bladder cancer research priorities.

The trial will involve the recruitment of 60 patients with bladder cancer from across Yorkshire and Humber. Half the patients will receive BCG therapy and half will undergo a cystectomy. If successful, the trial will be expanded nationally.

Incidence and mortality rates of bladder cancer in Yorkshire are higher than the national average. Incidence rates are particularly high in North Kirklees, Hull and East Riding CCGs, while mortality rates are highest in North Kirklees, Wakefield and South Tees CCGs.

Professor James Catto, Professor of Urology at the University of Sheffield, said: "Bladder cancer is a huge problem in Yorkshire. We are therefore very excited to have opened this vital clinical trial. The results of this study will be essential in helping us understand whether we will be able to undertake a larger, national trial."

Patients will be eligible for the trial if they have been recently diagnosed with aggressive, but not invasive, bladder cancer.