Past research into bladder cancer

2004  – We highlight a potential marker for aggressive disease, showing that high levels of a gene called E2F3 could flag cancers that need more urgent treatment. This may allow doctors to diagnose the disease more accurately in the future and choose treatments that are best for patients.

1998 – Our scientists pioneer a new technique that leads to the development of urine tests that could spot bladder cancer earlier and make diagnosing the disease less uncomfortable than the current test (cystoscopy). The new technology is now being tested in clinical trials.

1972 – We play a crucial role in the development of cisplatin, an important chemotherapy drug for bladder cancer that has spread. Our lab research shows the strong anti-cancer activity of the drug, prompting further research and clinical trials that we funded showing how effective it is for patients with certain types of cancer.

2008 – Our scientists show that radiotherapy is an effective option for people with bladder cancer who aren’t well enough or opt not to have surgery. Then in 2012 we fund a large trial which shows that adding low doses of chemotherapy to the radiotherapy option means patients with aggressive bladder cancer were 50% less likely to see their disease come back.