A new type of drug has been shown to reduce bladder cancer deaths by up to 30 per cent. 

Researchers in the UK are testing a drug that helps target chemotherapy directly to cancer cells.

In studies so far, it has been found to reduce deaths by 30 per cent in patients with urothelial cancer - the most common form of bladder cancer. 

The latest results come from a Phase III clinical trial in 608 patients from 19 countries. This type of trial tests a treatment in a large group of patients to determine how effective it is.

The new drugs are known as ‘antibody-drug conjugates’ (ADC), and consist of an antibody attached to a chemotherapy-like drug. 

The antibody targets cancer cells, carrying the chemotherapy-like drug with it, so it only affects cancer cells and ignores healthy cells. 

The drug is called enfortumab vedotin.

The latest study is accessible here.