Israeli-led study reports major breakthrough in high-risk bladder cancer treatment

A new international study led by Prof. Boris Chertin, head of urology at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, says a novel treatment for high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer produced striking results over the past year. The report presents what the researchers describe as a potential global shift in how the disease is treated.

According to the study, about 95% of patients achieved a complete response and disappearance of the tumor within three months. At one year, 76% remained cancer-free, and among the most difficult cases, including patients who had become resistant to standard treatment, the success rate reached 80% with complete remission after a year.

The treatment, called NDV-01, is a patented technology based on a biodegradable polymer gel. It is inserted into the bladder and releases a combination of two chemotherapy drugs in a controlled way over 14 days, designed to maximize exposure of the tumor to the active ingredients while replacing more complex treatment methods.

The study also reported an excellent safety profile. No serious side effects were recorded, local side effects were mild and temporary, and all patients completed the treatment without dropping out. Chertin said, "This is a real breakthrough and a complete change in the treatment approach for bladder cancer patients around the world," adding that the direct, sustained delivery of chemotherapy preserved quality of life. He also said, "The fact that 100% of the patients in the study avoided bladder removal and their disease did not progress is a huge achievement." Following the results, the developing company is preparing large-scale phase 3 trials and hopes to make the therapy a new global standard.