Institute for Urologic Oncology
FDA approves new bladder cancer drug
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the immunotherapy-boosting drug N-803, which is marketed under the brand name Anktiva, to be used in combination with the immunotherapy Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) for the treatment of patients with BCG-unresponsive non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The decision was based on results of the QUILT 3.032 clinical trial led by Dr. Karim Chamie, associate professor of UCLA urology.
Attacking metastatic prostate cancer early with combination treatment approach improves outcomes
Dr. Amar Kishan, assistant professor and chief of genitourinary oncology service at UCLA Health and IUO member, discusses a novel treatment approach that combines potent hormone therapy with metastasis-directed stereotactic body radiation therapy to treat metastatic prostate cancer.
Researchers awarded $3 million to develop AI to better detect aggressive prostate cancer
Researchers at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have received a five-year, $3 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to identify novel cancer biomarkers and develop AI that can detect and predict aggressive prostate cancer to help avoid unnecessary treatments and their associated negative side effects.
Gene mutations linked to hereditary kidney cancer predisposition
The findings of the study could lead to new treatment options for people with the disorder. Dr. Brian Shuch, associate professor of UCLA Urology and Director of the Kidney Cancer Program, is a study author.
Clinical Trials Spotlight
UCLA Health has a phase III trial to test enfortumab vedotin (EV) + pembrolizumab (pembro) given before and after surgery in people with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Karim Chamie, MD, Associate Professor of Urology, is the principal investigator.
Cancer and COVID-19
Please take extra measures to help protect yourself and reduce the transmission of the disease. This is particularly important for people with cancer. What everyone needs to know about COVID-19 (vaccine updates, getting testing, positive test results).
What You Should Know
Read about precautions cancer patients need to take.