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Bladder Cancer

Our Impact

Small Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder

“We thank Cycle for Survival donors and participants for their tremendous support to help people battling bladder cancer. Without your funding, this research
would not have materialized.”
Hikmat A. Al-Ahmadie, MD
Department of Pathology
Hikmat A. Al-Ahmadie, MD

Problem

Small cell carcinoma of the bladder is an aggressive disease diagnosed primarily at advanced stages. Most patients have a high likelihood of metastasis and relapse, and ultimately have a poor prognosis.

Idea

Dr. Al-Ahmadie is investigating the molecular characteristics of small cell carcinoma of the bladder so he can develop treatments to target alterations (defects) in the genes that are promoting the cancer.

What's next

Researchers will use sophisticated whole genome sequencing of tumor samples from a larger cohort of patients to analyze the disease’s genetic makeup. Investigators are also collaborating with other institutions to secure further tumor samples, which will provide greater insights into this rare cancer.

You should know:

  • This relatively new area of research was funded solely by Cycle for Survival in 2011.
  • Dr. Al-Ahmadie is exploring the larger implications of an exceptional response to drug therapy: a patient with metastatic disease was cancer-free after receiving treatment. Researchers want to identify other patients whose tumors have similar genetic characteristics, to see if the drug would have a similar extraordinary effect. This research lays the foundation for delivery of personalized medicine—a priority at MSK.
  • Preliminary findings from this research were used to secure outside funding to study other alterations and other rare types of bladder cancer.

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