Discover how groundbreaking advancements in bladder cancer care are transforming lives in our latest Bladder Cancer Matters podcast episode!

Host Rick Bangs kicks off BCAN's 20th anniversary "Partners in Progress" series with Karishma Parikh of Ferring Pharmaceuticals.

Learn about Adstiladrin, an innovative gene therapy offering hope and bladder preservation for some patients with high-risk, BCG-unresponsive bladder cancer. With a 96% success rate in preventing progression to muscle-invasive cancer and life-changing patient stories, this episode is packed with insights into how Ferring is driving innovation, supporting patient needs, and reshaping the future of bladder cancer care. Tune in now and be inspired!

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INDICATION

ADSTILADRIN is a treatment for adults who have all the following:

• High-risk non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC)
• Cancer that is not responding to Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy
• Carcinoma in situ (CIS) with or without other high-grade tumors

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Who should not receive ADSTILADRIN? Do not receive ADSTILADRIN if you have a sensitivity to interferon alfa or any of its components.

What is the most important information I should know about ADSTILADRIN? Individuals who are immunosuppressed or immune-deficient should not prepare, administer, receive or come into contact with ADSTILADRIN.

What should I tell my healthcare provider? Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What are the possible side effects of ADSTILADRIN? The most common side effects of ADSTILADRIN include: Urinary discharge, fatigue, bladder spasm, urgency to urinate, and blood in your urine.

These are not all the possible side effects of ADSTILADRIN. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-332-1088. You may also contact Ferring Pharmaceuticals at 1-888-FERRING.

What other information should I know about using ADSTILADRIN? For two days following treatment, voided urine should be disinfected for 15 minutes with an equal volume of bleach before flushing.

For more important information, call 1-888-337-7464.

Please see full Prescribing Information.

What if bladder cancer treatment could spare your bladder and transform your life? In this must-listen episode of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs dives deep with Dr. Roger Li, a leading urologic oncologist, to explore revolutionary advancements in bladder-sparing therapies, the emotional journey of patients, and life-changing options that weren't available just a few years ago. Hear how personalized care is reshaping hope for bladder cancer patients everywhere.

Join host Rick Bangs and expert Dr. Kent Mouw, a radiation oncologist from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, as they dive deep into the transformative role of radiation therapy in treating bladder cancer. From debunking myths about radiation to exploring cutting-edge advancements like adaptive radiation and personalized treatment plans, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how modern techniques are improving outcomes and patient experiences. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or medical professional, you won't want to miss this insightful conversation about the future of bladder cancer treatment.

In this insightful episode of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs engages with Dr. Marc Bjurlin, a leading urologic oncologist and smoking cessation advocate, to explore the profound link between smoking and bladder cancer. Timed with the Great American Smokeout 2024, the episode delves into how smoking increases cancer risks, the rise of e-cigarettes, and the challenges of quitting. Dr. Bjurlin also shares inspiring success stories from cessation programs, practical quitting strategies, and the importance of early detection for smokers. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or health professional, this episode is packed with vital information to help you or your loved ones take charge of their health.

In this compelling episode of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs speaks with Cindy McCreery, a screenwriter and professor, and Ryan Cooper, an actor and producer, about their powerful new film, I'll Be There. The movie tells the story of Cindy's brother's battle with muscle-invasive bladder cancer, inspired by her experience as his caregiver and his journey to survivorship with a neobladder. Cindy and Ryan share personal insights into bringing this deeply moving story to life, offering a unique portrayal of the resilience and challenges faced by those impacted by bladder cancer.

Cindy reveals the personal significance of the film, from witnessing her brother's treatment to understanding the emotional weight of being a caregiver. Ryan shares his journey preparing for the role, highlighting the physical and emotional aspects he learned about bladder cancer. Their reflections provide a rare look into the strength and spirit of the bladder cancer community, with insights that will resonate with both patients and caregivers alike.

Tune in to hear Cindy and Ryan discuss the film's journey to the screen, the significance of accurately depicting bladder cancer experiences, and their hopes for how I'll Be There will inspire awareness and empathy for those facing bladder cancer. This is an episode that celebrates courage, community, and the transformative power of storytelling.

In this episode of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs speaks with Dr. Armine Smith, Director of Urologic Oncology at Sibley Memorial Hospital and a leading expert in bladder cancer. They dive deep into the significant disparities in bladder cancer diagnosis and outcomes between men and women, exploring the biological, socioeconomic, and healthcare-related factors behind these differences. Dr. Smith highlights the urgent need for better awareness, timely diagnosis, and gender-sensitive treatment options, including exciting new research into the role of the microbiome and sex hormones in bladder cancer progression. With her passion and expertise, Dr. Smith offers actionable insights for both patients and healthcare providers. Tune in to learn about these critical issues and how we can collectively work to improve bladder cancer care for women.

In this informative episode of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs welcomes back Dr. Ashish Kamat, an expert in urology and bladder cancer research from MD Anderson Cancer Center. They dive into the latest updates on BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) and its crucial role in treating non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Dr. Kamat provides an insightful overview of BCG's effectiveness, the current shortage, and emerging alternatives. He explains the factors behind the supply issues and how treatments such as reduced dosages and novel combinations like gemcitabine and docetaxel are helping to bridge the gap.

Listeners will also hear about promising new therapies on the horizon, including gene therapy with Adstiladrin, Pembrolizumab, and ANKTIVA's combination with BCG. Dr. Kamat sheds light on how these advancements could change the landscape of bladder cancer treatment while emphasizing the importance of tailored care and shared decision-making for each patient. This episode is a must-listen for those affected by bladder cancer and anyone interested in the latest medical developments in this field.

In this compelling Bladder Cancer Matters episode, host Rick Bangs sits down with David McKenzie, a bladder cancer survivor, who shares his deeply personal and inspiring journey. From the initial shock of diagnosis to navigating multiple treatments, including the new, FDA-approved ANKTIVA, David opens up about the emotional and physical challenges he faced along the way. He offers invaluable advice, like the importance of seeking second opinions, not overlooking early warning signs like blood in the urine, and finding humor amidst the struggle. Tune in to hear David's powerful message on resilience, support, and why hope and laughter can be just as vital as treatment.

In this episode of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs sits down with Sarah Paul, Senior Director of Social Work at CancerCare, to discuss the vital support services offered through CancerCare's partnership with BCAN. Sarah explains how CancerCare provides free, professional assistance for bladder cancer patients, caregivers, and families, covering emotional, practical, and financial challenges. They dive into topics like navigating treatment, coping with a diagnosis, and the importance of emotional support. Tune in to learn more about the resources available to the bladder cancer community and how you can access these invaluable services.

To access the support line, please call 833-ASK-4-BCA or 833-275-4222.

In this compelling episode of "Bladder Cancer Matters," host Rick Bangs revisits a vital conversation with Dr. Bernard Bochner from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. They dive into the findings of a groundbreaking quality of life survey involving over 400 bladder cancer patients who underwent radical cystectomy. Dr. Bochner shares insights on how urinary diversions impact physical, sexual, and emotional health over time, revealing encouraging data that shows most patients return to their baseline quality of life within two years. This is a must-listen for anyone facing bladder removal surgery or supporting someone who is.

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