BCANTT 2026: Identifying Biomarkers of Response and Mechanisms of Resistance to Enfortumab Vedotin with and without Pembrolizumab in Metastatic Urothelial Cancer

The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) Bladder Cancer Think Tank 2026 hosted the BCAN-Funded Investigator Speakers Session. Dr. Aditi Gupta delved into Identifying Biomarkers of Response and Mechanisms of Resistance to Enfortumab Vedotin with and without Pembrolizumab in Metastatic Urothelial Cancer.

Dr. Gupta began by highlighting the remarkable evolution of systemic therapy for metastatic urothelial carcinoma over the last decade. Following decades dominated by platinum-based chemotherapy, the treatment landscape entered the immunotherapy era beginning in 2016 with the approval of atezolizumab, followed by multiple checkpoint inhibitors in both the first and second line settings, as well as avelumab maintenance therapy. The subsequent introduction of targeted therapies, including erdafitinib for FGFR3-altered disease, further expanded treatment options.¹

More recently, the field has transitioned into the antibody drug conjugate era, with the approvals of enfortumab vedotin and sacituzumab govitecan, ultimately culminating in the emergence of combination strategies integrating ADCs and immunotherapy.^2,3 Dr. Gupta noted that enfortumab vedotin plus pembrolizumab has rapidly become a new frontline standard of care, while ongoing studies continue to evaluate novel ADC-based combinations in both cisplatin-eligible and cisplatin-ineligible populations, reflecting the rapid pace of therapeutic innovation in advanced urothelial carcinoma. 

Gupta, A. (2026). BCANTT 2026: Identifying biomarkers of response and mechanisms of resistance to enfortumab vedotin with and without pembrolizumab in metastatic urothelial cancer. UroToday. https://www.urotoday.com/conference-highlights/bcantt-2026/170851-bcantt-2026-identifying-biomarkers-of-response-and-mechanisms-of-resistance-to-enfortumab-vedotin-with-and-without-pembrolizumab-in-metastatic-urothelial-cancer.html