A new treatment called TAR-200 has shown promising results in treating bladder cancer, particularly in patients who do not respond to traditional therapies. In a phase 2 trial, TAR-200 eliminated tumors in 82% of patients with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), offering hope for those with aggressive and unresponsive disease.
TAR-200 is an innovative drug delivery system that provides sustained release of gemcitabine, a chemotherapy medication. Unlike traditional treatments, which only remain in the bladder for a few hours, TAR-200 releases the treatment over 3 weeks per cycle, allowing it to penetrate deeper into the bladder and destroy cancer cells more effectively.
The trial involved 218 patients who received either TAR-200 alone, in combination with cetrelimab, or cetrelimab monotherapy. The results showed that patients who received TAR-200 had a significantly higher response rate compared to those who received traditional therapies.
While the treatment was associated with some side effects, the overall efficacy and safety profile of TAR-200 were deemed promising. According to the lead author, Sia Daneshmand, “The findings of this clinical trial are a breakthrough in how certain types of bladder cancer might be treated, leading to improved outcomes and saved lives.”
This new treatment offers a novel approach to treating bladder cancer, which is the most common urologic cancer. With continued innovation and advanced therapeutic approaches, researchers aim to deliver cancer-fighting medications directly into the bladder for lasting remission from cancer.
Source: https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/tar-200-clears-tumors-in-82-of-patients-with-bcg-unresponsive-non-muscle-invasive-bladder-cancer