The Conrad Pearson Clinic is Leading the Way in Bladder Cancer Care
At Conrad Pearson Clinic, we are committed to bringing the latest innovations in bladder cancer treatment to our patients. For individuals with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), new therapies are changing what is possible—reducing recurrence, preserving quality of life, and helping patients avoid repeated surgeries.
Our specialists offer access to groundbreaking FDA-approved treatments, cutting-edge clinical research, and personalized care plans designed around each patient’s specific type of bladder cancer.
Zusduri™: A First-in-Class Treatment for Recurrent Low-Grade Bladder Cancer
For years, patients with recurrent low-grade bladder cancer had limited treatment options. Although these tumors are not typically life-threatening, they often return repeatedly, requiring patients to undergo multiple surgeries over time. Now, Zusduri™ offers a new approach.
How It Works
Zusduri is a specialized mitomycin-containing gel that is placed directly into the bladder through a catheter. Once inside the bladder, the gel delivers chemotherapy directly to the tumor site, allowing the medication to remain in contact with the bladder lining longer than traditional treatments.
Patients receive treatment once a week for six weeks through a simple catheter procedure performed in the office. After treatment, patients may notice blue-colored urine, which is expected.
Who May Benefit?
Zusduri is designed for patients with:
- Recurrent low-grade non-muscle invasive bladder cancer
- Intermediate-risk bladder cancer
- Patients who are not candidates for BCG therapy
Promising Results
Clinical studies have shown that approximately 80% of patients remain free of disease recurrence one year after treatment. As the first treatment of its kind for this category of bladder cancer, Zusduri is helping patients avoid the cycle of repeated surgeries that was once the standard approach. The good news is that most insurance plans cover Zusduri treatment, and manufacturer assistance programs are available to help eligible patients access and afford therapy.
INLEXO™ Implant: Continuous Medication Delivery for High-Risk Disease
For patients with carcinoma in situ (CIS) or high-grade non-muscle invasive bladder cancer that has not responded to BCG therapy, the INLEXO Implant represents an exciting advancement in treatment.
What Is the INLEXO Implant?
Nicknamed the “pretzel implant” because of its unique shape, the device is a small, self-retaining implant embedded with the drug gemcitabine.
While gemcitabine has been used in bladder cancer treatment for years, traditional delivery methods allow the medication to be expelled during urination. The INLEXO Implant continuously releases medication inside the bladder, providing around-the-clock exposure to treatment.
How the Procedure Works
Using a catheter, your physician places the implant directly into the bladder. The implant remains in place and continuously delivers medication until it is exchanged for a new implant.
Treatment includes:
- Implant exchange every 3 weeks for the first 6 months
- Implant exchange every 6 weeks for the following 6 months
- The entire treatment course lasts one year, after which the implant is removed.
Benefits of Continuous Drug Exposure
Because the medication remains in contact with the bladder lining 24 hours a day, researchers believe the treatment may be more effective than traditional intermittent drug delivery.
Early data have been highly encouraging, with approximately 80% of patients remaining disease-free after one year of treatment.
What Patients Can Expect
Some patients experience urinary symptoms such as:
- Burning with urination
- Stinging during urination
- Increased urinary frequency
The treatment is generally well-tolerated and these side effects are typically manageable.
Access to Clinical Trials and Real-World Research
Conrad Pearson Clinic is proud to be involved in real-world research evaluating how these innovative therapies perform in everyday patient care.
Our partnership with leading research organizations allows us to:
- Offer state-of-the-art bladder cancer treatments
- Participate in ongoing research studies
- Provide access to promising clinical trials
- Explore additional options for patients whose cancer has not responded to standard therapies
- For many patients, clinical trials provide access to treatments that are not yet widely available and may offer hope when other options are limited. Conrad Pearson Clinic provides access to the newest bladder cancer clinical trials.
Expert Bladder Cancer Care at Conrad Pearson Clinic
Dr. Ravi Chauhan, is a nationally recognized specialist in advanced bladder cancer treatments and is dedicated to helping patients achieve the best possible outcomes while preserving quality of life. If you have been diagnosed with recurrent bladder cancer or have been told your cancer has not responded to previous treatment, we can help you explore the latest therapies available today.
