ImmunityBio Survey Highlights Diverse Treatment Priorities Among Patients With BCG-Unresponsive NMIBC
ImmunityBio has unveiled new patient survey findings that shed light on how individuals living with Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG)-unresponsive high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) make treatment decisions following BCG therapy failure. The research was presented during ISPOR 2026, held from May 17–20, 2026, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
The study offers a detailed look into how patients balance the potential benefits and drawbacks of radical cystectomy — the surgical removal of the bladder — against bladder-preserving treatment approaches. Researchers found that treatment preferences among patients are highly personal and influenced by a combination of medical experiences, lifestyle priorities, age, and perceptions about quality of life.
ImmunityBio Conducted in collaboration with Fight Bladder Cancer, the mixed-methods research focused on adults in the United Kingdom who were either currently undergoing BCG treatment or had previously received it for NMIBC. The findings provide a modern patient-centered perspective on how individuals facing BCG-unresponsive disease evaluate their treatment options.
BCG therapy has long been considered a standard treatment for high-risk NMIBC. However, when patients stop responding to BCG, treatment decisions become significantly more complex. Historically, radical cystectomy has been regarded as the recommended treatment option because of its effectiveness in reducing the risk of cancer progression. ImmunityBio Yet the procedure can also lead to major lifestyle changes and emotional challenges, prompting many patients to consider bladder-sparing alternatives.
According to the survey results, there is no universal approach that patients prefer. Instead, the research highlights the wide variation in personal priorities and willingness to accept trade-offs in pursuit of desired treatment outcomes.
“Treatment decisions for patients with BCG-unresponsive NMIBC are deeply personal and often complex,” said Patrick Soon-Shiong, Founder, Executive Chairman, and Global Chief Scientific and Medical Officer of ImmunityBio. He added that the findings demonstrate the importance of integrating patient perspectives, quality-of-life considerations, and individual priorities into shared decision-making discussions between patients and healthcare providers.
The research incorporated both quantitative and qualitative methods. An online questionnaire was completed by 86 UK adults living with NMIBC who had current or prior experience with BCG therapy. ImmunityBio Researchers also conducted one-on-one interviews and focus group discussions to gain deeper insight into treatment experiences and personal preferences.
Together, these methods helped evaluate how patients perceive bladder-sparing therapies compared with radical cystectomy after BCG treatment failure. The study explored how individuals assess treatment effectiveness, recurrence risks, quality of life, hospital visits, and the long-term impact of different treatment paths.
One of the key findings revealed that patients currently receiving BCG therapy were generally more inclined to favor bladder preservation strategies. ImmunityBio Many of these participants expressed a desire to avoid life-altering surgery and maintain their current quality of life for as long as possible.
In contrast, patients who had already undergone radical cystectomy were more likely to support the decision they had previously made. ImmunityBio Researchers noted that many of these individuals believed the surgery had provided reassurance regarding cancer control and long-term survival prospects.
Age also appeared to influence treatment preferences. Older participants demonstrated a lower preference for radical cystectomy, suggesting that factors such as recovery challenges, lifestyle adjustments, and overall quality-of-life considerations may become increasingly important with age.
Clinical effectiveness emerged as the single most important factor driving treatment decisions across the study population. Patients consistently identified outcomes such as reduced recurrence risk, prevention of disease progression, and improved life expectancy as top priorities when evaluating treatment options.
At the same time, the study showed that quality-of-life concerns varied considerably between individuals. Lifestyle disruption associated with radical cystectomy — including changes to daily routines, urinary diversion management, and social or emotional impacts — played a major role in decision-making for many participants.
The research also highlighted gender-related differences in perspectives. Male participants were more likely to express concerns about how radical cystectomy could affect everyday living and independence. These concerns contributed to stronger interest in bladder-preserving approaches among some respondents.
Another important finding was that many patients indicated a willingness to accept additional burdens, such as more frequent hospital visits or ongoing monitoring, if it meant avoiding bladder removal surgery. This demonstrates that for some patients, preserving the bladder may outweigh the inconvenience of intensive follow-up care or repeated treatments.
Researchers concluded that adults living with NMIBC in the UK have widely differing treatment goals. While some prioritize aggressive cancer control and maximizing life expectancy, others place greater emphasis on preserving quality of life and avoiding major surgery. ImmunityBio Many participants were willing to compromise in certain areas to achieve the outcomes they valued most.
The findings reinforce the growing importance of individualized care in bladder cancer treatment. Rather than relying on a single standard approach, healthcare providers may need to tailor treatment discussions according to each patient’s personal values, lifestyle concerns, and long-term priorities.
The study also reflects a broader trend in oncology toward shared decision-making, where patients play an active role in selecting therapies that align with their goals and preferences. By incorporating patient voices into treatment planning, clinicians can better support informed decisions that consider both medical outcomes and day-to-day life impacts.
For ImmunityBio, the survey data further emphasizes the need for expanded treatment options for patients with BCG-unresponsive NMIBC. As research into bladder-preserving therapies continues, understanding patient preferences may help guide future clinical development and improve patient-centered care strategies.
Ultimately, the study highlights that treatment decisions for BCG-unresponsive NMIBC extend beyond clinical outcomes alone. Emotional well-being, independence, lifestyle preservation, and personal experiences all play critical roles in shaping how patients approach care decisions after BCG failure.
By bringing attention to these diverse perspectives, the research presented at ISPOR 2026 underscores the importance of flexible, individualized treatment conversations that recognize every patient’s journey with bladder cancer is unique.
About Fight Bladder Cancer UK
Fight Bladder Cancer is the only patient-led bladder cancer charity in the United Kingdom. The charity is dedicated to supporting people affected by bladder cancer, raising awareness, and funding research to improve diagnosis and treatment. It provides support and mentorship for those impacted by the disease, and creates resources for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. It also advocates for better care and policy change. For more information, visit https://www.fbc.uk.com/
About ImmunityBio
ImmunityBio, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on innovating, developing, and commercializing next-generation immunotherapies designed to activate the patient’s immune system and deliver durable protection against cancer and infectious diseases. Our approach harnesses both the adaptive and innate immune systems with the goal of restoring immune function and generating lasting immunological memory in patients. At the core of our strategy is the Cancer BioShield™ platform, which is designed to stimulate critical lymphocytes, including natural killer (NK) cells, cytotoxic T cells, and memory T cells via our proprietary IL-15 superagonist.
Our Cancer BioShield platform is anchored by this antibody-cytokine fusion protein and is complemented by an investigational portfolio that includes adenovirus-vectored vaccines, allogeneic (off-the-shelf) and autologous NK-cell therapies, and additional immunomodulators intended to promote immunogenic cell death and support durable immune responses while potentially reducing reliance on high-dose chemo-radiation therapy.
