An Option for Bladder Cancer Patients When BCG Fails Them
Release Date: 01/02/2025
Dancing Through Diagnosis: One Educator’s Bladder Cancer Journey
Bladder Cancer Matters
In this powerful episode of Bladder Cancer Matters, Rick Bangs sits down with Mike Vasallo, a high school assistant principal diagnosed with early-onset bladder cancer at 46 who turned fear and uncertainty into purpose. Mike shares his raw, honest journey through diagnosis, treatment and recovery—and how finding community, asking for help and leaning into advocacy changed everything. He also explains how he uses humor, data and even TikTok trends to educate and reach people who might never otherwise learn about bladder cancer. The conversation dives into the emotional toll of cancer, the...
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Why One Walk Can Change Everything for Survivors
Bladder Cancer Matters
In this uplifting episode of Bladder Cancer Matters, survivors Sandy Weicher and Danny Gereg share how the became the turning point they didn’t know they needed—a place where strangers become family, hope replaces fear and every mile walked fuels research and critical patient programs. Sandy describes the moment she arrived at the , surrounded by the skyline and a sea of survivors, caregivers and clinicians, and instantly felt connected to something bigger than her diagnosis. Danny talks about showing up lost and anxious at the , only to find a community that carried him through his...
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Three Cancers, Zero Quit: Lisa Savage’s Fearless Journey
Bladder Cancer Matters
Three cancers. One relentless survivor. In this unforgettable episode of , host Rick Bangs sits down with Lisa Savage, who reveals the shocking twists of her cancer journeys—melanoma caught just in time, a delayed and devastating bladder cancer diagnosis that led to and a urostomy bag at age 50, and a third hidden cancer discovered along the way. With raw honesty and powerful humor, Lisa shares how she survived aggressive chemo, faced a terminal prognosis, fought through fear, and transformed her devastating diagnosis into a mission to mentor others, advocate publicly and live boldly—bag...
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An Innovative Treatment Giving New Hope to Bladder Cancer Patients
Bladder Cancer Matters
In this special 20th-anniversary episode of Bladder Cancer Matters, host and survivor Rick Bangs sits down with leading urologic oncologist Dr. Sia Daneshmand to explore a new bladder cancer therapy: Johnson & Johnson’s newly FDA-approved INLEXZO™. Dr. Daneshmand—who helped lead its clinical trials—breaks down how this “pretzel-shaped” intravesical delivery system works, why it’s showing some of the highest response rates yet for BCG-unresponsive disease and what patients can realistically expect in terms of side effects, treatment schedule, and quality of life. Together,...
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Turning Cancer Into Strength: Danny Gereg’s Powerful Comeback
Bladder Cancer Matters
In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs talks with survivor and advocate Danny Gereg, who shares how a shocking 2023 bladder cancer diagnosis became the catalyst for a total life transformation. Once diabetic, alcoholic, and obese, Danny rebuilt his body and spirit—losing over 100 pounds, reclaiming his health, and finding purpose as a voice for others navigating the challenges of cancer, sexuality, and recovery. With candor and humor, he discusses the physical and emotional realities of treatment, the life-changing support of his wife, and how...
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Transforming Bladder Cancer Care: A Conversation with Dr. Mark Schoenberg
Bladder Cancer Matters
In this episode of Bladder Cancer Matters, host and survivor Rick Bangs sits down with Dr. Mark Schoenberg—renowned urologist and Chief Medical Officer at UroGen® Pharma—for a wide-ranging conversation about the evolution of bladder cancer research, treatment, and patient advocacy. Dr. Schoenberg shares the story behind BCAN’s founding, the early challenges of raising awareness, and the innovations that are reshaping care today, including the development of non-surgical therapies like ZUSDURI™ (mitomycin) for intravesical solution, a prescription medicine used to treat adults with a...
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When a Cancer Doctor Becomes the Bladder Cancer Patient
Bladder Cancer Matters
In this powerful episode of , host Rick Bangs welcomes Dr. Rick Zera, a retired surgical oncologist who spent decades treating breast cancer before unexpectedly becoming a bladder cancer patient himself. Dr. Zera shares his remarkable story of moving from the operating room to the patient’s chair, beginning with a shocking diagnosis of an extremely rare and aggressive bladder cancer. He speaks candidly about the delays and frustrations he faced in getting timely care, the difficult choices between treatment options, and the emotional toll of navigating his own cancer journey after a career...
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Celebrating 100 Episodes: A Family’s Bladder Cancer Journey
Bladder Cancer Matters
Bladder Cancer Matters just hit a huge milestone—our 100th episode! In this special 20th anniversary edition of our Partners in Progress series, host Rick Bangs talks with Drew and Erica, whose mom Fran is living with bladder cancer, about what it means to be a caregiver. From music-filled car rides to difficult treatment decisions, they share honest, heartfelt stories of resilience, laughter, hope and the power of family. 💙 Tune in and be inspired by their journey—and celebrate this milestone with us!
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Bladder Cancer Medical Bills: A Toxic Side Effect
Bladder Cancer Matters
In this powerful episode of Bladder Cancer Matters, host Rick Bangs sits down with Dr. Ruchika Talwar, a leading urologic oncologist and health policy expert, to tackle the growing issue of financial toxicity in bladder cancer care. With candid insights and clear explanations, Dr. Talwar breaks down the hidden and rising costs patients face—from co-pays and lost wages to caregiver burdens and high drug prices—and explains why bladder cancer is the most expensive cancer per patient in the U.S. Listeners will gain practical tips to navigate the system, avoid financial pitfalls, and advocate...
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Managing Life After Neobladder: Incontinence Tips That Help
Bladder Cancer Matters
In this powerful episode of , host and survivor Rick Bangs sits down with Dr. Brian Zheng of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School to explore a deeply personal yet often overlooked topic: life after a radical cystectomy. Dr. Zheng shares candid insights on the different types of incontinence, how they uniquely affect men and women, and—most importantly—practical tips and treatment options that can dramatically improve quality of life. From behavioral changes and physical therapy to products, medications, and surgical solutions, this episode arms listeners with...
info_outlineDiscover how groundbreaking advancements in bladder cancer care are transforming lives in our latest Bladder Cancer Matters podcast episode!
Host Rick Bangs kicks off BCAN’s 20th anniversary "Partners in Progress" series with Karishma Parikh of Ferring Pharmaceuticals.
Learn about Adstiladrin, an innovative gene therapy offering hope and bladder preservation for some patients with high-risk, BCG-unresponsive bladder cancer. With a 96% success rate in preventing progression to muscle-invasive cancer and life-changing patient stories, this episode is packed with insights into how Ferring is driving innovation, supporting patient needs, and reshaping the future of bladder cancer care. Tune in now and be inspired!
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About Adstiladrin:
INDICATION
ADSTILADRIN is a treatment for adults who have all the following:
- High-risk non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC)
- Cancer that is not responding to Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy
- Carcinoma in situ (CIS) with or without other high-grade tumors
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Who should not receive ADSTILADRIN?
Do not receive ADSTILADRIN if you have a sensitivity to interferon alfa or any of its components.
What is the most important information I should know about ADSTILADRIN?
Individuals who are immunosuppressed or immune-deficient should not prepare, administer, receive or come into contact with ADSTILADRIN.
What should I tell my healthcare provider?
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What are the possible side effects of ADSTILADRIN?
The most common side effects of ADSTILADRIN include:
Urinary discharge, fatigue, bladder spasm, urgency to urinate, and blood in your urine.
These are not all the possible side effects of ADSTILADRIN. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-332-1088. You may also contact Ferring Pharmaceuticals at 1-888-FERRING.
What other information should I know about using ADSTILADRIN?
For two days following treatment, voided urine should be disinfected for 15 minutes with an equal volume of bleach before flushing.
For more important information, call 1-888-337-7464.
Please see full Prescribing Information.