On the way to that future, O'Donnell put into practice his career philosophy—first, identify a clinical problem, then search for a possible solution in the laboratory, test the possible solution in clinical trials, and finally introduce it into mainstream clinical practice.

Traditionally, BCG is the most effective superficial bladder cancer treatment. Unfortunately, when used alone it is only effective in 60 to 75 percent of patients, and long-term remission (more than five years) is only achieved in half the patients. Interferon-alpha used alone is only effective in about 40 percent of patients, and while it is associated with fewer side effects, it is expensive and cancer relapses are fairly common.

O'Donnell's research trial is believed to be the first to indicate that the combination therapy of interferon-alpha and BCG works for people with aggressive forms of bladder cancer who previously failed treatment with BCG alone.

One such patient is Brian Harris of Amboy, Illinois. He made a urology appointment for himself at Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center in March 2001 after noticing blood in his urine.

"From just the urine test they knew I had bladder cancer," Harris said. "In April, I had a TUR (transurethral resection) and in May I started treatment. In November I had a checkup and I was fine and things are still looking good," he said.

"The combined treatment is up to 40 times more effective in stimulating the immune system than the use of either interferon-alpha or BCG alone," said O'Donnell, associate professor and director of Urologic Oncology.

"This study is vital to the area of bladder cancer treatment, he said. "It may lead to a better understanding of the mechanism of BCG and its anti-tumor effect, as well as a better BCG treatment with higher efficacy and lower toxicity."

O'Donnell has been working on the combination therapy since 1994. He set up two clinical trials in Boston while at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. He personally lobbied Schering-Plough, one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, to fund a phase II study. The study opened in May 1999 and by January 2001, more than 1,100 patients were enrolled nationwide, both private and academic.

What to do if you've been diagnosed with bladder cancer

• Recognize that fear is natural, and know that it can be overcome.
• Slow down the decision making process.
• Ask yourself this question: Do I have trust and have confidence in my doctor?
• Recognize that your physical body needs love and attention, but so do your mind, heart and spirit.
• Recognize that life is a journey, and so is dealing with cancer.
• Inform yourself about the disease and options for treatment.

Give to the Fight Against Bladder Cancer

Michael A. O'Donnell, MD and cancer patient Brian Harris