The findings were presented at the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) 2026, May 17–20, 2026, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The mixed-methods study, conducted in partnership with Fight Bladder Cancer, a UK-based patient advocacy organization, explored how patients with NMIBC who were currently receiving or had previously received BCG weigh radical cystectomy against bladder-sparing therapies following BCG treatment failure. The study provides a contemporary, patient-centered perspective on the factors influencing treatment decision-making in this setting.

"Treatment decisions for patients with BCG-unresponsive NMIBC are deeply personal and often complex," said Patrick Soon-Shiong, M.D., Founder, Executive Chairman and Global Chief Scientific and Medical Officer of ImmunityBio. "These findings reinforce the importance of incorporating patient perspectives, quality-of-life considerations, and individual treatment priorities into shared decision-making conversations."

The study used an online questionnaire completed by 86 UK adults living with NMIBC who were currently receiving or had previously been treated with BCG. This survey data was supplemented by one-on-one interviews and focus group discussions. Together, these methods were designed to evaluate treatment experiences, priorities, and trade-off preferences related to bladder-sparing approaches versus radical cystectomy following BCG failure.

The data showed that treatment preferences among UK patients with NMIBC are highly individualized, shaped by past treatment experiences, personal values, and age. Key findings include:

  • Patients actively receiving BCG were more likely to favor bladder preservation strategies
  • Patients who had previously undergone radical cystectomy were more likely to support repeating that decision
  • Older participants demonstrated a lower preference for radical cystectomy
  • Clinical effectiveness, including impact on recurrence, progression, and life expectancy, was identified as the most important factor influencing treatment decisions
  • Lifestyle disruption and quality-of-life considerations varied across patients, with male participants expressing greater concern regarding the daily-life impact of radical cystectomy

The authors concluded that UK adults living with NMIBC have widely varying treatment priorities—some placing greater weight on cancer control and life expectancy, while others prioritize quality of life and bladder preservation—with many willing to accept trade-offs, such as more frequent hospital visits, to avoid radical cystectomy. Taken together, the findings underscore that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment decisions in this population, and highlight the importance of individualized, patient-centered care.