Recruiting

Testing a new cancer treatment for advanced bladder and squamous cell cancers

Plain-English translation of NCT07217171 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated September 2026 · Translation generated September 2026 · How we translate trials

Read our Bladder Cancer research guide →

Phase 1 — Testing in a small group (usually 20–80 people) to find a safe dose and watch for side effects.

What is this trial?

This is an early-stage trial testing a new medication called for people with advanced bladder cancer or squamous cell cancers that have not responded well to standard treatments. The trial starts with small doses and gradually increases the dose to find the right amount that is both safe and effective. Researchers want to understand how this medication works in your body and whether it can help slow or shrink your cancer.

Current treatments for these cancers don't work for everyone, and some people develop resistance to them over time. This medication represents a new approach, and this trial is designed to see if it could offer hope for people whose cancers have stopped responding to standard options.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with advanced bladder cancer or squamous cell cancer (of the lung, esophagus, skin, tongue, or in the genital or anal area) that has grown or returned after standard treatment
your cancer can be seen and measured on a CT or MRI scan
you are in good enough overall health to tolerate a clinical trial (an ECOG score of 1 or less, which your doctor can explain)
you have a life expectancy of at least 3 months
your blood work and organ function are adequate enough to receive the study medication
you are willing to use contraception during the trial and for 4 months after your last dose if you can become pregnant

You likely don't qualify if…

you have a targeted cancer drug available that is known to work for your specific cancer type
you have severe or ongoing side effects from previous cancer treatments that have not resolved
you have cancer that has spread to your brain (unless it was previously treated and is stable)
you have had a severe allergic or immune reaction to cancer treatments in the past
you have significant heart disease, severe eye inflammation, liver cirrhosis, active infection, or certain other serious medical conditions

What participation looks like

You would receive the medication as part of the trial, starting with small doses that may be increased over time depending on safety and response. You would visit the research center regularly for check-ups, blood tests, and scans to monitor how you are doing and how your cancer is responding. The trial is expected to last about 10 months, but you would continue as long as the medication is helping and side effects are manageable. You can stop at any time if you experience unacceptable side effects or if your cancer progresses.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Sep 2, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(16 sites)

United States

City of Hope, Duarte, California

USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, California

UCSF Medical center Parnassus, San Francisco, California

Yale University Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut

The Winship Cancer Institute Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia