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Bladder cancer that grows into the muscle layer is serious. Many patients need surgery to remove the bladder. Some people cannot take standard chemotherapy. This makes treatment choices harder.
A new study tested a different approach. Patients received two medicines, enfortumab vedotin and pembrolizumab, before and after surgery. Doctors compared this with surgery alone.
The results showed a strong benefit. Patients who received the medicines had better outcomes. About 75% were free from cancer events after two years. In the surgery-only group, this number was much lower.
Survival also improved. More patients were alive after two years when they received the new treatment. Another key finding was tumor response. In many patients, no cancer was found at the time of surgery after treatment. This is a very positive sign.
What does this mean for patients?
If you cannot take standard chemotherapy, this new option may help. It can shrink the cancer before surgery and reduce the chance of it coming back later.
There are side effects. Some patients had serious reactions. This means careful monitoring is needed during treatment.
Still, the benefits are clear. Better survival and better cancer control give new hope.
Where to get help
This page summarises a research study. Whether it applies to you depends on your stage, your reports and your overall health. Bring it to your consultation and ask what it means in your case.
Dr Swati Shah, MS, DrNB (Surgical Oncology), is a uro-oncologist — a surgeon for cancers of the kidney, bladder, prostate, testis and penis. She performs TURBT and, where needed, radical cystectomy at Apollo Hospital, Bhat, Gandhinagar. Her OPD is in Gota, Ahmedabad.
Please note: kidney stones, an enlarged prostate (BPH) and urine infections are not cancer — a urologist is the right doctor for those. Dr Swati Shah treats urological cancers only.
Read more: Uro-oncologist in Ahmedabad — Dr Swati Shah · Bladder cancer surgery in Ahmedabad · हिंदी में पढ़ें
OPD: Shah’s Gastro, Cancer & Robotic Surgery Centre, SF-203, Second Floor, Olive Greens, Gota, S G Highway, Ahmedabad 382481. Surgery: Apollo Hospital, Bhat, Gandhinagar. Bring all your reports. Second opinions are welcome.
Last updated: 4 October 2026
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