In this podcast episode, the Oncology Brothers, Drs. Rahul and Rohit Gosain, had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Thomas Powles, a medical oncologist whose work on the EV302 study has significantly impacted the field of bladder cancer treatment. The study focused on the combination of Enfortumab and Pembrolizumab as a first-line treatment for advanced or metastatic bladder cancer. Dr. Powles highlighted the transformative results of the study, showing a substantial improvement in overall survival benefit compared to traditional chemotherapy.
The EV302 study demonstrated a median survival of 31.5 months with the Enfortumab and Pembrolizumab combination, compared to 16.1 months with chemotherapy. Dr. Powles emphasized the importance of managing the side effects of this new treatment regimen, including skin toxicities, neuropathy, and immune-related adverse events. He provided insights on how to effectively address these toxicities to ensure patient safety and treatment efficacy.
Furthermore, Dr. Powles discussed the potential role of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in monitoring disease progression and treatment response, particularly in the adjuvant setting. He also touched upon the possibility of stopping Enfortumab in patients who have achieved a complete response to the treatment, highlighting the potential for durable remission and improved quality of life.
Overall, the podcast episode shed light on the groundbreaking EV302 study and the paradigm shift it has brought to the treatment algorithm for bladder cancer. The Oncology Brothers expressed their gratitude to Dr. Powles for sharing his expertise and insights, providing valuable information for oncologists and patients navigating the evolving landscape of bladder cancer treatment.
