The treatment of muscle-invasive and metastatic urothelial carcinoma has changed dramatically in recent years. This relatively common disease continues to place a heavy burden on those affected and is associated with a high risk of death. The aim of this project is to gain a much better understanding of why certain bladder cancer patients do not respond fully to modern chemotherapy and immunotherapy – and which therapeutic alternatives would be more suitable for patients with poor response. To this end, researchers are investigating which therapy-resistant tumor groups have specific surface characteristics that can serve as targets for so-called modern antibody-drug conjugates. These targeted drugs transport their active ingredient specifically to cancer cells and can therefore be significantly more effective than conventional chemotherapies.
Johannes Breyer, senior physician at the Department of Urology at Caritas Hospital St. Josef (Regensburg), explains on behalf of the BZKF study group on urothelial carcinomas: "The goal of this large-scale collaboration is, first, to understand which patients do not benefit well from new therapies and, second, to identify which new, tailored therapy options can be more helpful. The results will significantly help us prepare future clinical studies in the ACCN and BZKF networks that will benefit our patients."
To this end, a joint database and biobank is being set up, important genetic changes are being analyzed, and the tumors are being assigned to different molecular subtypes. We are also investigating how these characteristics relate to the course of the disease and are using a pathological assessment method developed by the BZKF to accurately assess the remaining tumor after therapy."
Shahrokh Shariat, Head of the University Department of Urology and the Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) at MedUni Vienna and Vienna General Hospital, and spokesperson for the ACCN, emphasizes: “The one-year funding phase serves as important start-up financing for future joint project applications in the European Union. With this project, BZKF and ACCN are sending a strong signal for European cooperation in cutting-edge research – with the clear goal of providing patients with aggressive urinary tract cancer with better and more individualized treatment options.”
Austrian Comprehensive Cancer Network (ACCN)
The Austrian Comprehensive Cancer Network (ACCN) pools the resources and expertise of the three Austrian Comprehensive Cancer Centers (CCC) in Vienna, Graz, and Innsbruck to jointly develop innovative treatment approaches and research findings for cancer patients. The ACCN's goal is to further improve prevention and cutting-edge medicine in oncology by networking local structures and making optimal use of synergies between the three locations to fight cancer together.
Bavarian Center for Cancer Research (BZKF)
The Bavarian Center for Cancer Research (BZKF) aims to provide all citizens in Bavaria, regardless of their place of residence, with access to the best possible and most innovative therapies. The merger of the six Bavarian university hospitals and universities in Augsburg, Erlangen, the two locations in Munich, Regensburg, and Würzburg not only promotes cancer research, but also pools expertise and knowledge on the topics of early detection, therapy, and aftercare for tumor diseases, while at the same time offering those affected comprehensive and interdisciplinary care. The BZKF's BürgerTelefonKrebs (Citizens' Cancer Hotline) offers a straightforward way to get individual advice on all questions relating to cancer by calling the toll-free number +49 (0)800 85 100 80.