Anktiva Treats Some Early-Stage Bladder Cancer
- Anktiva, a newly approved drug for bladder cancer, works alongside standard therapy, offering a surgery-free option for patients with early-stage, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), bladder cancer that has not invaded the muscular layer of the bladder wall.
- Anktiva is usually offered with BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) is a type of immunotherapy that stimulates the immune system to attack cancer cells.
- These treatments aim to prevent the recurrence and progression of cancer within the bladder lining, providing valuable options for patients at risk of disease spread.
- Studies show that 62% of patients had no signs of cancer after treatment withAnktiva plus BCG for up to 47 months, far exceeding researchers expectations.
Anktiva specifically targets BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), including cases with carcinoma in situ (CIS), with or without papillary tumors. This is a type of cancer which affects the bladder’s inner lining, doesn’t respond well to standard therapies, and includes flat, aggressive tumors known as CIS and growths resembling small mushrooms called papillary tumors.
Read MoreHow Anktiva Works
Immunotherapy helps boost the immune system’s systems ability to fight diseases, including cancer. It works by increasing your body’s natural defenses to help it detect and destroy cancer cells more effectively.
As an immunotherapy drug, Anktiva works by strengthening a part of the immune system that includes special cells known as NK and CD8+ killer T cells, which are important for attacking cancer cells.
It acts like a supercharged version of a natural substance in your body called interleukin-15 (IL-15), which is crucial for helping those special immune cells grow and function. Anktiva is made by combining a modified IL-15 with another component that helps it stick better to the immune cells, enhancing its effects.
By doing this, Anktiva helps train your immune cells to recognize and destroy cancer cells more efficiently. It also stays in the body longer and reaches more areas where it can act against the cancer. This means it could be more effective in treating the disease compared to other similar treatments.
“Anktiva’s innovative mechanism of action complements BCG therapy by targeting specific pathways involved in the progression of bladder cancer,” Dr. Kovac says. “Together, these treatments offer a multifaceted approach, potentially improving outcomes and providing new hope for those facing the challenges of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.”
Because Anktiva is a targeted approach it focuses on the cancer while preserving more healthy tissue than many traditional cancer treatments. It enhances the effectiveness of standard BCG treatment to make it more effective.
“The percentage of patients who may benefit from Anktiva can vary depending on factors such as disease stage, prior treatments, and individual response to therapy,” Dr. Kovac states. “Clinical trials typically provide data on response rates and efficacy in specific patient populations.”
Dr. Kovac highlights the QUILT-3.032 study, where a new treatment combination was tested on two groups of bladder cancer patients who did not respond to the usual BCG therapy.
The first group had a type of cancer that was still contained within the bladder lining, with or without small tumors. The second group had more advanced small tumors. Both groups were treated with a combination of Anktiva and BCG, delivered directly into the bladder.
The results were quite encouraging: after two years, 71% of the patients showed no signs of cancer, and most were able to avoid surgery to remove their bladder.
Read More: I’ve Just Been Diagnosed With Bladder Cancer, What Should I Ask my Doctor?
The Benefits Of Anktiva
The phase 3 QUILT-3.032 clinical trial Dr. Kovac refers to involved 77 patients where Anktiva was used alongside the standard BCG treatment. The patients were monitored with various tests like cystoscopy and urine tests to check for cancer signs.
Results from this study showed:
- 62% of these patients had no signs of cancer after treatment, with some reports suggesting this number could be as high as 73%
- Some patients didn’t see their cancer come back for as long as 47 months which the researchers considered a significantly long time
- 40% of patients had a “durable response” meaning that their cancer was controlled or significantly reduced, but not completely gone, for up to 24 months. This exceeded the researcher’s expectations.
- The drug was generally well tolerated, with fewer side effects than standard treatments.
This outcome is better than what many experts consider meaningful in clinical results, showing that Anktiva could be a very effective option for treating this type of bladder cancer.
The effectiveness of the treatment is still being evaluated because it continues to work in patients. Dr. Kovac notes that the patients enrolled in the study will continue to be monitored for up to five years.
Comparison to other Bladder Cancer Drugs
Anktiva differs from another bladder cancer drugs in terms of how it works and when it’s used.
For instance, the drug Keytruda is used for more advanced bladder cancer stages, such as when the cancer has spread beyond the bladder or is not responding to standard treatments and surgery isn’t suitable. It helps by boosting the immune system’s ability to detect and destroy cancer cells.
Another drug, Padcev, is option typically considered for advanced bladder cancer, when the disease has spread and previous treatments like chemotherapy haven’t worked. It attacks cancer by homing in on a certain protein within the cancer cells and releasing a powerful cancer-killing drug.
Each of these drugs has its special role in treating bladder cancer:
- Anktiva is used mainly to boost treatment effects at early cancer stages
- Keytruda offers more versatile treatment options for various stages,
- Padcev provides a focused attack on advanced cancer that’s tough to treat.
“While Keytruda and Padcev may be effective in certain cases, Anktiva specifically addresses the needs of patients unresponsive to BCG therapy. Surgery, such as radical cystectomy, is a more invasive option that Anktiva aims to potentially delay or avoid,” Dr. Kovac says.
Read More: The Role of Targeted Therapy in Bladder Cancer
Anktiva Side Effects
Most patients taking Anktiva report very few serious side effects but like any drug, there is always a risk of at least some problems. For Anktiva, these include:
- Flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and fatigue
- Local reactions at the injection site like pain and swelling.
- Bladder-related symptoms, including increased frequency of urination, discomfort during urination, and blood in the urine.
How Anktiva Fits Into Current Treatment
Bladder cancer strikes men four times more frequently than in women. NMIBC constitute 70% to 80% of cases, while muscle-invasive bladder cancers (MIBC) and metastatic cases (where the cancer has spread) comprise the remainder.
NMIBC presents a challenge due to its high recurrence rate, often requiring invasive procedures like major surgery. Anktiva, when combined with BCG therapy, now offers a promising non-surgical option for NMIBC patients.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), a not-for-profit alliance of leading cancer centers, recommends Anktiva plus BCG when surgery carries significant risks or for patients who prefer non-invasive treatments.
The initial diagnostic and therapeutic intervention for bladder tumors typically involves a surgical procedure known as transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), enabling both tumor removal and assessment of cancer characteristics. Post-TURBT treatment options for NMIBC include chemotherapy and BCG immunotherapy, tailored to individual cancer profiles.
BCG immunotherapy, derived from a tuberculosis vaccine, is the standard of care for NMIBC, boasting a nearly 70% success rate in clearing bladder cancer. Anktiva expands the options for combating NMIBC alongside established interventions like TURBT and BCG immunotherapy.
High-risk cases require more intensive treatment, whereas low-to-intermediate-risk cases might be adequately managed with TURBT alone. The treatment strategy is influenced by several factors, including tumor size, its appearance under the microscope, and the number of tumors.
“By providing an effective alternative for patients who may have exhausted other options, Anktiva offers a vital lifeline, allowing individuals to potentially preserve their bladder function,” Dr. Kovac says.
“This represents a significant advancement in bladder cancer care, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and personalized treatment approaches. Its approval marks a significant step forward in addressing the challenges of this disease, offering renewed optimism for patients and their loved ones. With continued research and innovation, we strive towards a future where bladder cancer is not just treatable, but beatable,” he adds.
Read More: What is a TURBT Procedure for Bladder Cancer?
Questions for Your Doctor
- Is Anktiva an option for me?
- What other treatments should I consider?
- How will we manage side effects?
- What benefits can I expect from Anktiva?
- How much will my insurance cover and how much can I expect to pay out of pocket?
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