Partner in Progress: AstraZeneca

BCAN is proud to collaborate with AstraZeneca in our shared commitment to one day eliminate cancer, including bladder cancer, as a cause of death. 

The following content is sponsored by AstraZeneca.

Advancing Immunotherapy and New Possibilities in Bladder Cancer Care

For many people, having clear, trustworthy information about bladder cancer can help build confidence in important decisions. As care continues to evolve, immunotherapy (IO) is one area of ongoing research that may shape future options.

Immunotherapy helps the immune system better recognize and respond to cancer cells, and scientists are working to understand how it may contribute to care across different stages of bladder cancer.

AstraZeneca has been advancing IO science across several hard-to-treat cancers, and we are bringing that experience to bladder cancer, where additional options are still needed.

Our work includes exploring whether IO may play a role earlier in the disease and how immune-based approaches might support more personalized conversations between individuals and their specialists.

As research continues, we aim to help strengthen understanding of where IO may fit into care over time and to provide information that supports informed decision-making as the bladder cancer landscape evolves.

From Patient to Advocate: Rick’s Bladder Cancer Journey

AstraZeneca’s Focus Across the Bladder Cancer Continuum

Bladder cancer care can involve different needs at different points in the journey, and AstraZeneca is focused on understanding where approaches such as immunotherapy may play a role throughout the disease continuum.

Across both muscle-invasive and non-muscle-invasive disease, we are exploring whether earlier intervention, more coordinated care and evolving treatment strategies could help address key challenges such as recurrence, progression and the burden of frequent procedures.

In muscle-invasive bladder cancer, our work includes a new treatment option used before or after surgery and understanding how IO could potentially support care at this critical stage, as well as helping clarify how urologists and oncologists work together throughout the perioperative process.

In high-risk non–muscle-invasive disease, we are studying options that may help reduce reliance on repeat procedures when appropriate and support the open, informed conversations that guide shared decision-making.

Across both settings, we remain focused on supporting bladder cancer education programs, strengthening shared decision-making and contributing to a future where people feel more prepared and confident as their care needs evolve.

Our Commitment to the Bladder Cancer Community

AstraZeneca is contributing to a future where people affected by bladder cancer have accessible information and trusted support as they navigate care. Much of this work happens in partnership with advocacy organizations like BCAN, clinical experts and individuals who share their experiences.

We work to understand community perspectives, support educational efforts and help deepen understanding of where scientific advances such as immunotherapy may have a role in the future of care. We remain committed to collaborating with partners across the bladder cancer community to support continued progress for patients and caregivers.

Podcast

Listen to our podcast about immunotherapy and bladder cancer with Dr. Josefa Briceno of AstraZeneca.

Explore Our Resources

AstraZeneca provides resources that can help at every stage of care. 

• AZ&You Blog: Shifting the Paradigm for Patients With MIBC
• Bladder cancer patient education and support resources
• If you can’t afford your medicine, AstraZeneca may be able to help. Visit our cost and affordability resources.
• Learn more about accessing our medicines at AstraZeneca’s US Patient Support website.