Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, especially among people over age 70. Much is now known about its causes, offering the potential to reduce new cases in the years ahead.

Evidence-based surgical innovations and treatment refinements have led to steadily improved outcomes and quality of life for patients with the disease. Nevertheless, long-term survival rates have improved only slightly since the 1970s, in part due to bladder cancer receiving less research attention and resources than other common cancers. In fact, no new drugs have been approved specifically for bladder cancer in more than 20 years. Yet, researchers are hopeful that current clinical trials of targeted drugs will result in new, more effective treatment options for patients.