Survey sheds light on patient preferences in navigating NMIBC options

Findings from a recent survey offer new insights into patient preferences for treatment selection for non–muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).¹

The survey, conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of ImmunityBio, included 200 US adults aged 18 or older who had received a diagnosis of NMIBC. The online questionnaire was fielded from September 3 to October 1, 2025.

Overall, 92% of respondents said that they depend on information from their health care providers (HCPs) when making treatment decisions. Only 6% reported turning to alternative sources such as patient advocacy organizations. Additionally, just 18% indicated that they regularly discuss the full range of procedures and treatment options for NMIBC with their HCP, and 64% of patients who had not undergone a full cystectomy were unsure which treatments remained effective for their specific disease type or stage.

Many respondents also indicated a preference for options outside of chemotherapy. Although 58% of patients said that their HCP provided information about chemotherapy before their initial treatment, 72% reported that they would prefer chemotherapy only as a last resort. Notably, 81% of patients said that they were interested in trying new or different treatment options. Among those who had not had a full cystectomy, 89% said they would try anything to avoid removing their bladder.

The results also revealed patient preferences for an optimal treatment option. Overall, 97% of patients said that early evidence of slowing or halting disease progression was important, and 94% valued treatments that offer long-lasting benefits. The overwhelming majority of patients (90%) noted they would agree to receive treatment more often if it provided a longer duration of positive effects relative to other choices.

The survey also polled patients about their thoughts on immunotherapy. Overall, 89% viewed the mechanism of action for immunotherapy—using the body’s immune system to fight cancer—as cutting-edge. Additionally, 84% of respondents believed that immunotherapy has fewer adverse effects compared with chemotherapy. Among those who had received immunotherapy in the past, 72% reported satisfaction with the duration of positive effects, and approximately 66% of patients were satisfied with how quickly the treatment stopped or slowed disease progression.

“This survey highlights the urgent need for patients and providers to engage in deeper, more collaborative conversations about all treatment choices for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer,” concluded Richard Adcock, president and CEO of ImmunityBio, in the news release on the findings.¹ “Immunotherapy is empowering the body’s own defenses to fight bladder cancer, offering real hope for patients who have run out of options. At ImmunityBio, we’re committed to advancing science that transforms these insights into life-changing care.”

REFERENCE

1. New survey reveals non-muscle invasive bladder cancer patients seek more care conversations. News release. ImmunityBio. November 13, 2025. Accessed November 21, 2025. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251113695968/en/New-Survey-Reveals-Non-Muscle-Invasive-Bladder-Cancer-Patients-Seek-More-Care-Conversations