Durvalumab in combination with Tremelimumab for locally advanced or metastatic urothelial bladder cancer – first line

Urothelial bladder cancer (UBC) is the most common type of bladder cancer. It originates from the cells that lines the walls (urothelial cells) of the bladder. In advanced or metastatic UBC, the cancer has spread past the bladder into neighbouring or distant organs. Men are up to three times more likely than women to be diagnosed with UBC and risk increases with age in both genders. Other risk factors include tobacco smoking, exposure to some environmental/industrial chemicals, chronic bladder infection and some genetic factors. The most common symptom of UBC is blood in the urine. Advanced/metastatic UBC may present for the first time as an emergency admission, and this is frequently associated with a poor prognosis.
Durvalumab with tremelimumab is being developed as a combination therapy administered intravenously for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic UBC. Both drugs act in different unique ways to stimulate the body’s natural defences that fight the cancer cells. The combined effect of this produces a stronger and more targeted immune response against the cancer cells when compared to current treatment. This has the potential to increase survival rates and reduce side effects when compared to current treatment options.