To a large extent, we depend upon outside funds to:

• Start new research programs
• Develop educational materials
• Organize scientific seminars

The cure for bladder cancer will come with a thorough understanding of how the disease affects the human body, as well as a complete map of the body’s defenses against disease invasion. Intense focus on the cellular changes that occur with the introduction of various forms of therapy is crucial to understanding the disease process, and, ultimately, conquering it.

Dr. Michael A. O’Donnell, founder of the National Bladder Cancer Research Center, has been working toward this goal for many years. When he first evaluated interferon-alpha and BCG as a combination therapy for bladder cancer, he envisioned it as a therapy for the future. That future is here.

Dr. O’Donnell has worked tirelessly on this therapy combination since 1994, when he set up two clinical trials in Boston while at Harvard’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

He personally lobbied Schering-Plough, one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, to fund a phase two study. The goal of this study is to determine the efficacy and toxicities of the treatment. That study opened in May 1999 and by January 2001, more than 1100 patients were enrolled in 125 study sites nationwide.

He is currently also co-director of a national phase three trial comparing his combination treatment to conventional therapy in close to 700 patients with superficial bladder cancer.

From Research Laboratory to Clinic

Three distinct service teams provide their expertise in our battle against bladder cancer. Basic science research in applied immunotherapy is conducted by lead scientists Yi Luo, PhD, Xiaohong Chen, MD, and David Evanoff.

Dr. O’Donnell holds a weekly clinic for cancer patients in the University of Iowa’s National Cancer Institute designated Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center. With assistance from Nicole Saltsgaver, PA-C, and Kim Rexroad, PA-C, Dr. O’Donnell also provides intravesical therapy treatments for our clinical trial patients.

To make a donation to the fight against bladder cancer, please make checks payable to UI Department of Urology and mail to:

Michael A. O'Donnell, MD
University of Iowa
Department of Urology
200 Hawkins Dr., 3 RCP
Iowa City, IA 52244-1089
(Reference "Bladder Cancer Research Fund")