# Potential synergistic effect of radiotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors on advanced bladder cancer: A case report

## TL;DR

A patient with advanced bladder cancer showed improved outcomes when combining immunotherapy with radiotherapy, suggesting potential benefits of this treatment approach.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the potential synergy between radiotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors in managing advanced bladder cancer.

## Key findings

- The patient experienced a significant reduction in bladder mass after combined treatment.
- Quality of life improved following radiotherapy and continued immunotherapy.
- The case suggests the combination may be effective, though abscopal effect was not confirmed.

## Abstract

The combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors and radiotherapy (RT) is emerging as a promising therapeutic approach for advanced bladder cancer. However, clinical evidence of the abscopal effect in this context is still limited.

Presented here is a 61-year-old female with high-grade urothelial carcinoma who had initially undergone chemotherapy, followed by treatment with atezolizumab (an anti-programmed death-ligand 1 antibody). Due to disease progression and symptoms, she received palliative RT alongside continued immunotherapy. Post-RT staging scans showed a significant reduction in the size of the bladder mass and a marked improvement in the patient’s quality of life. Although this case did not demonstrate a definite abscopal effect, it underscores the potential benefits of combining immunotherapy and RT.

The observed outcomes suggest that this combination can effectively manage advanced bladder cancer, highlighting the need for further research to refine and optimize these treatment strategies.