Why one type of chemotherapy works best in bladder cancer: Scientist reveals

Digital Desk: In a significant study published in Cell Reports Medicine in January, researchers at Tisch Cancer Institute shed light on a promising synergy between a specific form of chemotherapy and immunotherapy in the fight against bladder cancer. The study highlights the efficacy of cisplatin chemotherapy in enhancing the immune system's capability to combat bladder cancer, particularly in advanced stages.

Metastatic bladder cancer, a challenging condition affecting approximately 83,000 individuals annually in the United States, has proven resistant to many existing treatments. The researchers revealed that cisplatin chemotherapy when combined with immunotherapy, holds the potential to bring about a cure in a subset of patients with advanced bladder cancer. This finding has significant implications for optimizing drug usage and devising effective combination therapies.

Interestingly, the study proposes an explanation for the varied success rates observed in clinical trials involving different types of chemotherapy. While cisplatin paired with immunotherapy shows promise, trials combining carboplatin-based chemotherapy with immunotherapy have not yielded the same success. The distinction lies in the ability of cisplatin to leverage a pre-existing, albeit restrained, immune response against the tumor. This suggests that the body's immune system is more receptive to the combination when a certain level of immune activation is present.

Moreover, the study delves into the molecular mechanism behind cisplatin's effectiveness. By damaging DNA in cancer cells, cisplatin induces changes in gene expression that may enhance the immune system's ability to detect and target cancer cells. These findings offer valuable insight into the intricate interplay between chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and the body's immune response.

The study at Tisch Cancer Institute presents a pivotal advancement in understanding how cisplatin chemotherapy, in conjunction with immunotherapy, can improve outcomes for patients battling metastatic bladder cancer. This research not only opens new avenues for treatment but also underscores the importance of tailoring therapies to capitalize on the body's immune defenses in the fight against this challenging form of cancer.