This 2025 webinar features Dr. Nimira Alimohamed and Dr. Bernie Eigl, providing an in-depth overview of enfortumab vedotin plus pembrolizumab (EV+pembro), the newly approved treatment for advanced bladder cancer.
You’ll learn about the clinical trial data that led to its approval, gain a better understanding of the treatment process, and explore potential side effects. If you have questions about this new therapy, this is a great opportunity to get answers from experts in the field.
Understanding Advanced Bladder Cancer Treatments
About 30% of bladder cancers cases are presenting with muscle-invasive or metastatic, which means the cancer has spread and can be harder to treat. In the past, the main option for advanced bladder cancer was platinum-based chemotherapy (cisplatin or carboplatin with gemcitabine). While this could shrink tumors in 40–50% of patients, the effects usually didn’t last long, and side effects were common, including nausea, fatigue, and low blood counts.
Newer treatments, called immune checkpoint inhibitors (like pembrolizumab), help the body’s immune system attack cancer cells. Maintenance therapy with avelumab after chemotherapy has also improved survival for patients whose cancer responds to treatment.
Targeted Therapy and the EV+pembro Combination
Enfortumab vedotin (EV) is a type of targeted therapy called an antibody-drug conjugate. It attaches to cancer cells and delivers a medicine that kills them directly. When combined with pembrolizumab, the treatment shows much better results than chemotherapy alone:
- Response rate: 68% of patients see their cancer shrink, including 29% with complete disappearance
- Progression-free survival: about 12.5 months versus 6 months with chemo
- Overall survival: about 31.5 months versus 16 months with chemo
This treatment works well across different ages, genders, and tumor locations, including patients with liver metastases.
How the Bladder Cancer Treatment is Given and Side Effects
EV+pembro is given through an IV every three weeks. Most side effects are manageable, but can include:
- Skin reactions like rash or itchiness
- Numbness or tingling in hands and feet (neuropathy)
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
- Dry eyes
- Diarrhea or other digestive issues
Early recognition and careful monitoring help manage these effects. Doctors may adjust doses or recommend supportive care to keep patients safe and comfortable.
Patient Experience and Quality of Life
Patients report that EV+pembro is generally well-tolerated. Side effects are manageable, and many patients can maintain daily activities like walking, golfing, or socializing. This means advanced treatment can improve survival without drastically lowering quality of life.
Ongoing Research and Future Directions
Researchers continue to study ways to personalize treatment. This includes finding markers to predict which patients will respond best, combining therapies, and testing EV+pembro in earlier stages of bladder cancer. These studies may expand access and improve outcomes for more patients.
Get Support and Stay Informed with Bladder Cancer Canada
Bladder Cancer Canada provides resources, webinars, and support for patients and caregivers navigating advanced bladder cancer. Explore treatment guides, connect with experts, and stay informed on new therapies to make the best care decisions possible.
