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KOL Pulse — Trial Profile

NIAGARA Trial

Perioperative muscle-invasive bladder cancer (cisplatin-eligible MIBC) — AstraZeneca

Perioperative muscle-invasive bladder cancer (cisplatin-eligible MIBC)ImfinziESMO 2024✓ FDA Approved (2025-03)
Discover KOL Sentiment on NIAGARA →

Physician reactions to NIAGARA

Posts by physicians about NIAGARA, newest first: ESMO 2026 week (October 17–24, 2026), then earlier posts from the ESMO 2024 readout and the FDA approval. Each post is shown in full and verbatim and linked to the original on X.

Toni Choueiri, MD
Toni Choueiri, MD@DrChoueiri
𝕏

Elegant talk by @MattGalsky looking at molecular drivers and subtypes in relation to treatment benefit in #NIAGARA #ESMO26 #Day2 @myESMO @OncoAlert https://t.co/nlzwm0f57T

1.0K views 16 likes10 RT 2026-10-24
Julian Chavarriaga
Julian Chavarriaga@chavarriagaj
𝕏

#ESMO26 Can molecular profiling identify who benefits most from perioperative durvalumab in MIBC? Exploratory genomic/transcriptomic analyses from NIAGARA. 🔹 TP53alt in 50% of tumors, co-occurred with RB1, while mutually exclusive with FGFR3. 🔹ERCC2-mutated tumors achieved 75% pCR across treatment arms. 🔹 EFS benefit: TMB-high HR 0.44; TP53-mutated HR 0.51; FGFR3-mutated HR 0.24. 🔹 Immune-enriched subtypes: Basal-squamous HR 0.47; luminal-infiltrated HR 0.67. 🔹 Higher T-effector infiltration and IFNγ signaling were associated with greater benefit. @UroToday @myESMO

406 views 4 likes5 RT 2026-10-24
Dra. María Natalia Gandur Quiroga
Dra. María Natalia Gandur Quiroga@nataliagandur
𝕏

🚨⭐🟠 #ESMO26 | Day 2 | Abstract 4741RO | NIAGARA Exploratory Analysis of Molecular Subtypes and Association With Treatment Outcomes in Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer 🎤 Excellent presentation by @MattGalsky 🇺🇸 @OncoAlert @myESMO 🧬 Does tumor biology influence the benefit of perioperative durvalumab in MIBC? 🔬 STUDY DESIGN Phase III NIAGARA | N=1,063 Perioperative durvalumab + neoadjuvant gemcitabine/cisplatin vs chemotherapy alone, followed by radical cystectomy. Exploratory molecular analysis: ✅ Whole-exome sequencing: n=407 ✅ RNA sequencing: n=402 📊 KEY MOLECULAR FINDINGS 🔹 Broad EFS benefit: Durvalumab-containing treatment favored EFS across multiple mutation-defined subgroups. 🔹 Genomic alterations: Greater apparent benefit was observed in tumors harboring TP53 or FGFR3 mutations, cell-cycle or RTK/RAS/PI3K pathway alterations, and high tumor mutational burden. 🔹 Basal-squamous subtype: Showed one of the strongest exploratory signals of benefit, with increased immune-infiltration signatures. 🔹 Luminal-papillary subtype: The EFS benefit appeared less evident than in other transcriptomic subtypes. ⚠️ These findings are exploratory. No molecular subtype has been prospectively validated to predict differential benefit from perioperative durvalumab. ⭐ MY POINT OF VIEW | CLINICAL PEARL Molecular heterogeneity may influence the magnitude of benefit, but it should not yet determine who receives potentially curative perioperative immunotherapy. 🧬 The real opportunity is moving from molecular classification toward clinically validated predictive biomarkers. 💡 The future is not simply knowing the tumor subtype—it is knowing how to act on it without compromising cure. Congratulations to @MattGalsky and the NIAGARA investigators for this insightful translational analysis! @urologysummit @gbanna74 @ravikanesvaran @Uromigos @LosUromigos @tompowles1 @PGrivasMDPhD @apolo_andrea @AndreaNecchi @sonpavde @drenriquegrande @montypal @ecancer @UrologyTimes @urotoday @wearemedsir @OpenMedicineHQ #BladderCancer #MIBC #GUOncology #PrecisionOncology #Biomarkers

315 views 5 likes5 RT 2026-10-24
Martin ZapataLaguado
Martin ZapataLaguado@zapatalaguadomd
𝕏

#ESMO26 | NIAGARA Perioperative durva+ chemo improved EFS in molecular subtypes of MIBC. TMB-high: HR 0.44 TP53-mut: HR 0.51 FGFR3-mut: HR 0.24 B-s and luminal-Inf tumors showed immune signatures and greater pCR @SCUColombia @achoHematoYOnco @myESMO @ASCO @OncoAlert @oncodaily https://t.co/ure2y7UpEc

283 views 6 likes5 RT 2026-10-24
David H Aggen, MD PhD
David H Aggen, MD PhD@Dr_Aggen
𝕏

NIAGARA biomarker analysis at #ESMO26 🧬 DDR alterations (ERCC2, KMT2C, FAT1) associated with higher pCR rates across arms. 📊 Perioperative durvalumab + NAC improved EFS across most molecular subtypes, with greatest apparent benefit in basal-squamous and luminal tumors. 🔬 T-effector/IFNγ-high tumors showed greater pCR gains. Exploratory findings—no validated biomarker to select patients for durvalumab.

205 views 3 likes0 RT 2026-10-24
Oncology Brothers
Oncology Brothers@OncBrothers

< 2 wks to #ASCO25, here is a📝 of 🔑abstracts for general onc that could guide our SoC!

- #ATOMIC
- #MATTERHORN
- #SERENA6
- #ASCENT04
- #DestinyBreast09
- #IMforte & #Dellphi304
- Updates:…

👁 37.9K ♡ 256 ↻ 83 May 17, 2025
Tom Powles
Tom Powles@tompowles1

NIAGRA: neoadjuvant gem/cis +/- perioperative durvalumab shows significant OS and EFS. #GU25 @MattGalsky now shows the prognostic relevance of pCR. It also showed the durvalumab outperforms the…

👁 13.7K ♡ 176 ↻ 84 Feb 14, 2025
Neeraj Agarwal, MD, FASCO
Neeraj Agarwal, MD, FASCO@neerajaiims

Ab#659 @ASCO #GU25 by @MattGalsky 👉https://t.co/hlZ7AC2Oz6 👉Ph3 NIAGARA trial of perioperative durvalumab + neo-adj gem-cis vs. neo-adj gem-cis in MIBC #bladdercancer👉Durva improved EFS & OS in…

👁 10K ♡ 88 ↻ 46 Feb 10, 2025
Timothée Olivier, MD
Timothée Olivier, MD@Timothee_MD

Post-#ESMO24 #ESMO2024 Edition !
With @VPrasadMDMPH , we review 6 trials:
-NIAGARA (periop durva bladder)
-AMBASSADOR (adj pembro bladder)
-LEAP-012
-SOLARIS (vitD CRC)
-CONTACT-02
- and SPLASH in…

👁 24.9K ♡ 27 ↻ 8 Nov 3, 2024
Elizabeth Plimack MD
Elizabeth Plimack MD@ERPlimackMD

NIAGRA presented #ESMO24 and published today @NEJM – huge accomplishment 1000+ patients enrolled. Exciting results!
Some thoughts on applying them to practice... https://t.co/6vXd50lC83

👁 29.2K ♡ 141 ↻ 51 Sep 15, 2024
Dr. Antonio Calles
Dr. Antonio Calles@Tony_Calles

⭐️ Mind blowing results of immunotherapy across different tumor types presented #ESMO24 now at @NEJM

- Melanoma (CM 067) 10 years FU Nivo, Nivo-Ipi.
- TNBC (KEYNOTE-522): 5y OS perioperative…

👁 20.1K ♡ 91 ↻ 28 Sep 15, 2024
Neeraj Agarwal, MD, FASCO
Neeraj Agarwal, MD, FASCO@neerajaiims

Breaking news (practice changing) from @myESMO #ESMO24 👉@tompowles1 presents the 1st results of the ph3 Niagara trial of cisplatin + gemcitabine +|- durvalumab in MIBC #bladdercancer 👉Significant…

👁 15.1K ♡ 66 ↻ 38 Sep 15, 2024
NEJM
NEJM@NEJM

Listen to the NEJM editors discuss the significance of the NIAGARA trial in a podcast: https://t.co/15pOYwjRvg #ESMO24

👁 11.5K ♡ 8 ↻ 2 Sep 15, 2024

NIAGARA Key Takeaways

Event-Free Survival (EFS) — Co-Primary Endpoint

2-year EFS was 67.8% in the durvalumab+GC arm vs. 59.8% with chemotherapy alone (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.56-0.82, P<0.0001). pCR rate: 37.3% vs. 27.5% (OR 1.6, P=0.0005).

✓ EFS HR 0.68; pCR 37.3% vs. 27.5%

📄 Source: KOL commentary on X →

Overall Survival (OS)

Overall survival HR was 0.75 (95% CI 0.59-0.93, P=0.0106) favoring perioperative durvalumab. First trial demonstrating OS benefit with perioperative immunotherapy in MIBC.


📄 Source →

Safety & Tolerability

Immune-related adverse events consistent with durvalumab monotherapy profile. No new safety signals. Radical cystectomy completion rates comparable between arms — perioperative durvalumab did not compromise surgical outcomes.

✓ No new safety signals; surgical outcomes preserved

📄 Source →

Regulatory / sponsor - FDA approved March 28, 2025: durvalumab (Imfinzi) + gemcitabine/cisplatin neoadjuvant, then adjuvant durvalumab, in adult MIBC. Sponsor: AstraZeneca.

Compiled and reviewed by the KOL Pulse research team, led by Brian Shields, Founder, KOL Pulse. Last updated October 24, 2026.

Top KOLs Discussing NIAGARA

Oncology Brothers
Oncology Brothers
@OncBrothers
59.6K impressions
NEJM
NEJM
@NEJM
57.1K impressions
Tom Powles
Tom Powles
@tompowles1
45.6K impressions
Neeraj Agarwal, MD, FASCO
Neeraj Agarwal, MD, FASCO
@neerajaiims
41.3K impressions
Elizabeth Plimack MD
Elizabeth Plimack MD
@ERPlimackMD
36.2K impressions
Timothée Olivier, MD
Timothée Olivier, MD
@Timothee_MD
29.7K impressions

NIAGARA Key Slides & Visuals

ESMO 2026 slides

Slides from ESMO 2026 (Madrid) as photographed and shared on X by physicians, newest first. Each post is shown verbatim; click any slide to enlarge, and open the OCR text under each post.

Alan Tan (@alantanmd)
Alan Tan @alantanmd
NIAGARA in context · ESMO 2026 discussant slides
Oct 23, 2026 · ESMO 2026
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More from the B15 ctDNA analysis: pre-treatment and presurgery ctDNA both predicted EFS, consistent with NIAGARA and Christensen 2019, and postsurgery ctDNA+ again identified the highest-risk group. #ESMO26 https://t.co/HdByxX6ZKQ
[Slide 1] Pre-Treatment and Presurgery ctDNA Predict Outcome KEYNOTE-B15 vs NIAGARA and Christensen 2019 KEYNOTE-B15 / EV-304 EFS Pre-chemotherapy ctDNA EV + pembro: curve labels at 24 months: [illegible, upper/ctDNA− curve]; 71.2% [ctDNA+] No. at risk (months 0 / 6 / 12 / 18 / 24 / 30 / 36 / 42 / 48 / 54): ctDNA+: 133 / 119 / 101 / 95 / 83 / 51 / 30 / 20 / 8 / 0 ctDNA−: 121 / 103 / 96 / 93 / 89 / 46 / 29 / 21 / 10 / 0 [faint] Cis + gem: curve labels at 24 months: 82.7% [ctDNA−]; 54.2% [ctDNA+] No. at risk: ctDNA+: 134 / 111 / 83 / 73 / 62 / 36 / 19 / 14 / 5 / 0 ctDNA−: 102 / 95 / 84 / 82 / 68 / 40 / 22 / 13 / 8 / 0 [faint] Pre-surgery ctDNA EV + pembro: Positive-Positive (n = 15); Negative-Negative (n = 79); curve labels at 24 months: 94.6%; 33.3% No. at risk: 15 / 12 / 8 / 6 / 5 / 3 / 2 / 1 / 1 / 0 79 / 73 / 71 / 69 / 62 / 32 / 21 / 16 / 8 / 0 Cis + gem: Positive-Positive (n = 34); Negative-Negative (n = 77); curve labels at 24 months: 87.8%; 35.3% No. at risk: 34 / 26 / 16 / 14 / 12 / 10 / 5 / 4 / 2 / 0 77 / 74 / 67 / 65 / 53 / 31 / 19 / 12 / 7 / 0 NIAGARA EFS, combined arms [top] EFS (combined arms): ctDNA− vs ctDNA+ HR, 0.42 (95% CI, 0.30-0.60) [bottom] EFS in the baseline ctDNA+ population that did or did not clear ctDNA pre-cystectomy (combined arms): ctDNA clearance vs persistent ctDNA+ HR, [illegible] (95% CI [illegible]) Christensen et al. 2019 RFS A ctDNA Before Chemotherapy — RFS (probability) vs Time Since Cystectomy (days); P < .001 No. at risk (0 / 300 / 600 / 900 days): Negative 35 / 32 / 23 / 1; Positive 24 / 16 / 4 / 0 B ctDNA Before Cystectomy — P < .001 No. at risk: Negative 55 / 49 / 29 / 1; Positive [illegible] Survival table Endpoint: EFS (KEYNOTE-B15/EV-304) by pre-chemotherapy and pre-surgery ctDNA status; NIAGARA EFS; Christensen 2019 RFS KEYNOTE-B15 EV + pembro pre-surgery Positive-Positive | 15 KEYNOTE-B15 EV + pembro pre-surgery Negative-Negative | 79 KEYNOTE-B15 Cis + gem pre-surgery Positive-Positive | 34 KEYNOTE-B15 Cis + gem pre-surgery Negative-Negative | 77 KEYNOTE-B15 EV + pembro pre-chemo ctDNA+ | 133 KEYNOTE-B15 EV + pembro pre-chemo ctDNA- | 121 KEYNOTE-B15 Cis + gem pre-chemo ctDNA+ | 134 KEYNOTE-B15 Cis + gem pre-chemo ctDNA- | 102 HR: NIAGARA EFS ctDNA- vs ctDNA+ 0.42 HR CI: 0.30-0.60 P: Christensen 2019: P < .001 (both panels) Landmark 24 mo | KEYNOTE-B15 EV + pembro pre-chemo ctDNA+ | 71.2% Landmark 24 mo | KEYNOTE-B15 Cis + gem pre-chemo ctDNA- | 82.7% Landmark 24 mo | KEYNOTE-B15 Cis + gem pre-chemo ctDNA+ | 54.2% Landmark 24 mo | KEYNOTE-B15 EV + pembro pre-surgery Negative-Negative | 94.6% Landmark 24 mo | KEYNOTE-B15 EV + pembro pre-surgery Positive-Positive | 33.3% Landmark 24 mo | KEYNOTE-B15 Cis + gem pre-surgery Negative-Negative | 87.8% Landmark 24 mo | KEYNOTE-B15 Cis + gem pre-surgery Positive-Positive | 35.3% [Slide 2] Postsurgery ctDNA Findings Replicate NIAGARA KEYNOTE-B15 vs NIAGARA KEYNOTE-B15 / EV-304 study scheme [small schematic: Key eligibility: Adults with MIBC, cisplatin eligible, RC + PLND candidate; R 1:1; Neoadjuvant Enfortumab vedotin + Pembrolizumab N=405 → RC + PLND → Adjuvant Enfortumab vedotin + Pembrolizumab [highlighted]; Cisplatin + Gemcitabine N=403 → Observation; ctDNA assessed at baseline, presurgery, postsurgery and adjuvant] NIAGARA study scheme [small schematic: Durvalumab arm — Neoadjuvant Durvalumab + Gemcitabine + cisplatin → Radical cystectomy → Adjuvant Durvalumab [highlighted]; Comparator arm — Gemcitabine + cisplatin → No treatment; plasma samples analysed at baseline, pre-RC, C1D1; study population text too small to read] KEYNOTE-B15 / EV-304 EFS per BICR by postsurgery ctDNA status | Events, n (%) | HR (95% CI)a ctDNA+ EV + pembro (n = 10) | 9 (90.0) | 0.63 (0.30-1.35) Cis + gem (n = 30) | 27 (90.0) ctDNA− EV + pembro (n = 199) | 22 (11.1) | 0.48 (0.29-0.81) Cis + gem (n = 193) | 41 (21.2) Curve labels at 24 months: 89.9% [EV + pembro ctDNA−]; 82.2% [Cis + gem ctDNA−]; 10.0%; 10.0% [ctDNA+ arms] Y-axis: Event-Free Survival, % X-axis: Months No. at risk (months 0 / 6 / 12 / 18 / 24 / 30 / 36 / 42 / 48 / 54): EV + pembro: ctDNA+: 10 / 9 / 3 / 2 / 1 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 EV + pembro: ctDNA−: 199 / 197 / 186 / 180 / 162 / 91 / 58 / 38 / 16 / 0 Cis + gem: ctDNA+: 30 / 22 / 5 / 3 / 3 / 2 / 2 / 1 / 1 / 0 Cis + gem: ctDNA−: 193 / 191 / 173 / 162 / 131 / 75 / 43 / 26 / 12 / 0 NIAGARA7 DFS by post-RC ctDNA status, combined arms Curves: ctDNA−; ctDNA+ Y-axis: Probability of DFS X-axis: Time from radical cystectomy (months) [No. of patients at risk row too small to read] ctDNA− vs ctDNA+ HR, 0.09 (95% CI, 0.05–0.18) aUnstratified Cox proportional hazards model with treatment as a covariate. Data cutoff date: October 27, 2025. NIAGARA: DFS from radical cystectomy, ctDNA− vs ctDNA+ HR 0.09 (95% CI 0.05–0.18); Powles T, et al. J Clin Oncol. 2025;43(16 Suppl):4503. Survival table Endpoint: KEYNOTE-B15/EV-304 EFS per BICR by postsurgery ctDNA status; NIAGARA DFS by post-RC ctDNA status (combined arms) EV + pembro ctDNA+ | 10 Cis + gem ctDNA+ | 30 EV + pembro ctDNA- | 199 Cis + gem ctDNA- | 193 HR: ctDNA+: 0.63; ctDNA-: 0.48 (EV + pembro vs cis + gem); NIAGARA ctDNA- vs ctDNA+ DFS 0.09 HR CI: ctDNA+: 0.30-1.35; ctDNA-: 0.29-0.81; NIAGARA: 0.05-0.18 Landmark 24 mo | EV + pembro ctDNA- | 89.9% Landmark 24 mo | Cis + gem ctDNA- | 82.2% Landmark 24 mo | ctDNA+ (both arms) | 10.0% / 10.0%
Dr Amol Akhade (@SuyogCancer)
Dr Amol Akhade @SuyogCancer
NIAGARA in context · ESMO 2026 discussant slides
Oct 23, 2026 · ESMO 2026
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So no one knows why Durvalumab worked and Pembrolizumab and Nivo failed in perioperative MIBC trials. @DrChoueiri @tompowles1 @HHammersMD @montypal @OncoAlert @myESMO #esmo26 https://t.co/3kilxJWJnB https://t.co/xf4MDnwcxJ
[Slide 1] 13:30 - 15:00 Proffered paper 1: Genitourinary tumour, renal and urothelial CHAIRS: AXEL BEX, ANJA LORCH Is the combination hypothesis incorrect? pCR outcomes were consistent across trials KEYNOTE-866 [Bar chart; y-axis: pCR Rate, % (95% CI)] Pembro + cis + gem vs Placebo + cis + gem Estimated difference:b 8.9% (95% CI, 2.5-15.1)* CA017-078 pCR overall (co-primary endpoint)a 9.5% (95% CI 2.3-16.7) (99.91% CI −2.6 to 21.6)b [Bars; y-axis: Patients (%)] 39.1 | 29.6 Overall ITT NIAGARA Re-analysis (Apr 2024) Odds ratio 1.60 (95% CI, 1.23-2.08) nominal P=0.0005 Durvalumab arm N=533: 37.3% 199/533 95% CI, 33.2-41.6 Comparator arm N=530: 27.5% 146/530 95% CI, 23.8-31.6 [y-axis: pCR rate (%)] Robert Jones Invited Discussant 47350, 47360 and 47420 BARCELONA AUDITORIUM - HALL 9 [Slide 2] 13:30 - 15:00 Proffered paper 1: Genitourinary tumour, renal and urothelial CHAIRS: AXEL BEX, ANJA LORCH Were populations different? EFS outcomes were good in control arms of these studies [Thumbnail 1] Primary End Point: EFS by Investigator Assessment, ITT Population — Pembro + cis + gem n = 453 vs Placebo + cis + gem n = 454; Events, n (%) 157 (34.7) vs 168 (37.0); Median (95% CI), mo 74.1 (72.4-NR) vs NR (67.7-NR); HR 0.88 (95% CI, 0.71-1.10), 1-sided P = 0.1366*; landmark labels 76.7%/70.0%, 69.2%/66.3%, 66.0%/62.3%, 63.5%/61.9%; No. at risk Pembro 453 401 366 338 329 304 296 273 224 175 114 51 11 0; Placebo 454 400 345 310 300 291 283 257 208 168 106 51 12 0 [Thumbnail 2] Event-free survival by treatment arm (co-primary endpoint) — NIVO+GC (N = 325) vs GC (N = 328); events 104/325 (32.0) vs 104/328 (31.7); median NR vs 67.6 (63.0-NE); HR (95% CI) 0.94 (0.72-1.24); HR (95.74% CI) 0.94 (0.71-1.25); P 0.6697; landmark labels 82.6%/78.6%, 72.3%/71.6%, 68.1%/68.5%, 67.3%/65.8%; No. at risk NIVO+GC 325 283 243 227 209 197 189 146 100 60 25 5 0 0; GC 328 271 219 199 187 176 168 131 90 61 23 4 1 0 KEYNOTE-866 | CA017-078 | NIAGARA T2 (%) 15 | 76 | 40 N1 (%) 0.7 | Excluded | 5 ECOG 0 (%) 76 | - | 78 24 month EFS in control arm (%) 70.0 | 71.6 | 59.8 Robert Jones Invited Discussant 47350, 47360 and 47420 BARCELONA AUDITORIUM - HALL 9 [Slide 3] 13:30 - 15:00 Proffered paper 1: Genitourinary tumour, renal and urothelial CHAIRS: AXEL BEX, ANJA LORCH How I explain these two studies • More similarities than differences with NIAGARA • Patient mix had better than expected prognosis - this makes it harder to demonstrate modest improvement • Small imbalances, unseen at baseline, may explain different findings between the trials Robert Jones Invited Discussant 47350, 47360 and 47420 BARCELONA AUDITORIUM - HALL 9 [Slide 4] 13:30 - 15:00 Proffered paper 1: Genitourinary tumour, renal and urothelial CHAIRS: AXEL BEX, ANJA LORCH Were studies designed differently? Callouts: Only KN-866 used placebo | Differences in cisplatin eligibility | Only CA017-078 excluded N1 | Subtle differences in primary endpoint definitions | Some differences in statistical design [Panel] Phase 3 KEYNOTE-866 Study Design (NCT03924856) — Adults with MIBC; clinical stage T2-T4aN0M0 or T1-T4aN1M0; urothelial histology ≥50%; eligible for RC + PLND; did not meet Galsky criteria for cisplatin ineligibility incl. GFR ≥60 mL/min; ECOG PS 0 or 1. R 1:1: n = 453 Pembrolizumab 200 mg + cisplatin 70 mg/m2 + gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 x4 → RC + PLND → Pembrolizumab 200 mg Q3W 13 cycles; n = 454 Placebo + cisplatin + gemcitabine → Placebo Q3W 13 cycles. Primary end point: EFS by investigator assessment. Key secondary: OS and pCR (pT0N0) by central pathologist review. Other secondary: Safety. [Panel] Study design: CA017-078 — Phase 3 randomized trial of neoadjuvant NIVO plus GC, followed by adjuvant NIVO, vs neoadjuvant GC alone for previously untreated MIBC (NCT03661320). Key inclusion: MIBC (predominant urothelial component); cT2-T4a, N0, M0; GFR ≥ 50 mL/min; ECOG PS 0-1. R 1:1: GC Q3W x 4 cycles + NIVO 360 mg Q3W x 4 cycles (N = 325) → radical cystectomy → NIVO 480 mg Q4W x 9 cycles; GC Q3W x 4 cycles (N = 328) → radical cystectomy → no further treatment. [Greyed arm: GC + NIVO 360 mg + BMS986205 (blinded) 100 mg QD → NIVO 480 mg Q4W + BMS986205 — TERMINATED (Dec 2021), excluded from formal testing of NIVO+GC vs GC alone.] Stratification: clinical stage (T2 vs T3/T4a); GFR (50 to <60 mL/min vs ≥60 mL/min); PD-L1 status (≥1% vs <1%/indeterminate/NE) by central review. Co-primary endpoints: pCR and EFS per BICR. Secondary: OS, safety. Exploratory: ctDNA analyses. Median follow-up (range): 54.5 months (39.4-77.0). [Panel] NIAGARA: Study Design — Adults; cisplatin-eligible MIBC (cT2-T4aN0/1M0); UC or UC with divergent differentiation or histologic subtypes; evaluated and confirmed for RC; CrCl of ≥40 mL/min. R 1:1: Durvalumab arm N=533: neoadjuvant Durvalumab 1500 mg IV Q3W + Gemcitabine + cisplatin (4 cycles) → radical cystectomy → adjuvant Durvalumab 1500 mg IV Q4W (8 cycles); Comparator arm N=530: Gemcitabine + cisplatin → radical cystectomy → no treatment. Dual primary endpoints: EFS, pCR. Key secondary endpoint: OS. Safety. EFS was defined as: progressive disease that precluded RC; recurrence after RC; date of expected surgery in patients who did not undergo RC; death from any cause. Placebo, primary endpoints Robert Jones Invited Discussant 47350, 47360 and 47420 BARCELONA AUDITORIUM - HALL 9
Tom Powles (@tompowles1)
Tom Powles @tompowles1
NIAGARA in context · ESMO 2026 discussant slides
Oct 23, 2026 · ESMO 2026
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It hard to explain why 1 trial with gem/cis +/-PD(L)1 (NIAGARA) is +ve for EFS/OS and 2 very similar trials (presented today) are negative in MIBC. Potentially NIAGARA has the highest risk population, not all respond to IO and the maintenance phase the most effect- but the OS of gem/cis pembro HR of 1 is concerning. This reflects what we saw in metastatic disease with contradictory results for the big combination trials. Overall EVP looks better and more consistent #ESMO26 @myESMO @Annals_Oncology @OncoAlert
[Header row] ENERGYZE (n=646) Nivolumab | KN866(n=907) Pembrolizumab | NIAGARA (n=1063) Durvalumab | B15/EV304 (n=808) EV + pembro Study arm | GCN | GC | GCP | GC | GCD | GC | EVP | GC Medan FU | 54 months | 61 months | 46 months | 33 months pCR/ctDNA clearance | 39% 82% | 29% 58% | 44% | 36% | 37% | 27% | 56% | 33% 2 yr EFS | 72% | 72% | 76% | 70% | 68% | 60% | 79% | 66% 2 yr OS | 85% | 85% | 83% | 82% | 74% | 68% | 87% | 81% EFS HR | 0.94 | 0.88 | 0.68 | 0.53 OS HR | 0.88 | 1.00 | 0.75 | 0.6, Competed IO | 56% | 46% | 54% | 51% surgery | 90% | 88% | 91% | 87% | 88% | 85% | 87% | 91% T2 at | 77% | 15% | 40% | 20%

More slides on this page

Official trial slides and relevant visuals shared by KOLs at ESMO 2024. Click any image to expand.

NEJM
NEJM @NEJM
NIAGARA Data
45.5K impressions · 206 likes · Sep 15, 2024
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[Slide 1] Event-free Survival No. of Patients 100 with Median 90 Event/Total Event-free No. Survival 80 76.0 67.8 Durvalumab (%) (95% CI) 70 Percentage of Patients mo 69.9 60 Durvalumab 187/533 NR (NR-NR) 59.8 50 (35.1) Comparison Comparison 246/530 46.1 (32.2-NR) 40 (46.4) 30 Hazard ratio for event, 0.68 (95% CI, 20 0.56-0.82) 10 Stratified P<0.001 by log-rank test 0 Median follow-up among patients 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 with censored data, Months since Randomization 42.3 mo (range, 0.03-61.3) No. at Risk Durvalumab 533 475 424 386 356 344 330 315 282 255 202 141 115 86 81 32 20 20 1 0 Comparison 530 437 381 343 313 296 281 264 228 214 172 132 9469 62 24 18 16 2 0
Oncology Brothers
Oncology Brothers @OncBrothers
NIAGARA Data
37.9K impressions · 256 likes · May 17, 2025
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[Slide 1] ONC Brother Top 10 Anticipated Practice Changing/Informing Abstracts for ASCO 2025 from Community Oncology's (@OncBrothers) perspective 1. #Plenary Session: #ATOMIC Ph III, Adj FOLFOX VS. Atezolizumab + FOLFOX for dMMR Stage III resected colon cancer. 2. #Plenary Session: #MATTERHORN Ph III, PeriOp Durvalumab + FLOT (and postOP Durva + FLOT Durva) VS PeriOP and PostOP FLOT for resectable gastric/gastroesophageal junction cancer. 3. #PlenarySession: #SERENA6 Ph III, Camizestrant + CDK 4/6i VS AI + CDK 4/6i in 1L HR+/HER2- at the time of ESR1 emergence and prior to progression in metastatic breast cancer. #VERITAC2, Ph III data for ARV-471 (an oral PROTAC ER degrader) also being presented. 4. #ASCENT04: Ph III, Sacituzumab + Pembrolizumab VS. Chemo + Pembro in 1L locally advanced or metastatic with PDL1+ (CPS≥10) triple negative breast cancer. 5. #DESTINY-Breast09: Ph III, Trastuzumab Deruxtecan +/- Pertuzumab VS. THP in 1L locally advanced or metastatic HER2+ (IHC3+ or FISH+) breast cancer. 6. #IMforte: Ph III, Carbo + Etop + Atezoluzmab Atezo + Lurbinectedin VS. Atezo alone in maintenance 1L for extensive stage small cell lung cancer. #DeLLphi304, Ph III, Tarlatamab in 2L also being presented. 7. #CheckMate816: Update, Ph III, Neoadjuvant Nivolumab + Chemotherapy (approved in March 2022) VS. Chemo alone in resectable non-small cell lung cancer. 8. #NIAGARA: Ph III, use of ctDNA in patients who received periOP durvalumab (PeriOp/PostOp Durvalumab got approved in March 2025) muscle-invasive bladder cancer. 9. #Plenary Session: #NIVOPOSTOP: Ph III, Adj Chemo + XRT + Nivolumab VS Chemo + XRT in high risk resected head and neck squamous cell carcinoma 10. #Plenary Session: #VERIFY Ph III, Rusfertide (hepcidin mimetic agent) + ongoing therapy VS Placebo in patients requiring frequent therapeutic phlebotomies for Polycythemia Vera www.oncbrothers.com @Oncbrothers O @Oncbrothers @Oncbrothers
Elizabeth Plimack MD
Elizabeth Plimack MD @ERPlimackMD
NIAGARA Data
29.2K impressions · 141 likes · Sep 15, 2024
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[Slide 1] CYSTECTOMY FOR ALL VS BLADDER SPARING 1 year 2 year % alive and metastases free Study pTO cCR 2 year os % with bladder intact and not MFS MFS radiated AMVAC COXEN: 32% C: 75% COXEN: 62% COXEN: 82% Cystectomy for All - 0 VESPER:42% V: 82% VESPER: 73% VESPER: 83% (COXEN / VESPER) AMVAC Cystectomy by Allocation - 36% 83% 73% 84% 17% (RETAIN) GC + Nivolumab pre/post Cystectomy by Allocation - 46% 90%* 82%* 88%* 32%* (HCRN 16-257) GC+ Durva pre/post 82% 74% Cystectomy for all 37% - censoring those who censoring those who 82% 0 (NIAGRA) did not undergo RC did not undergo RC GC COXEN: 34% COXEN: 62% COXEN: 57% COXEN: 77% Cystectomy for All VESPER: 36% - VESPER: 76% VESPER: 61% VESPER: 78% 0 (COXEN / VESPER/NIAGRA) NIAGRA: 28% NIAGRA: 79% NIAGRA: 87% NIAGRA: 75% Flaig T.W. et al. Clin Cancer Res 2021;27:2435-41 Pfister C. et al. Journal of Clinical Oncology 2023;41:LBA4507-LBA Geynisman DM et al. GU ASCO Oral Presentation. Journal of Clinical Oncology 2023;41:438 Galsky MD, et al. Nature Medicine 2023 Powles et al. ESMO 2024
Dr. Antonio Calles
Dr. Antonio Calles @Tony_Calles
NIAGARA Data
20.1K impressions · 91 likes · Sep 15, 2024
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[Slide 1] Overall Survival 100 No. of Median 3-Yr Estimate 5-Yr Estimate 10-Yr Estimate 90 Patients Overall (95% CI) (95% CI) (95% CI) with Survival 80 Event (95% CI) 70 Percentage of Patients 58 (52-63) mo 60 52 (46-57) Nivolumab + Ipilimumab Nivo+Ipi (N=314) 173 71.9 (38.2-114.4) 50 43 (38-49) Nivolumab (N=316) 192 36.9 (28.2-58.7) 40 0,51 (45-56) * Ipilimumab (N=315) 243 19.9 (16.8-24.6) Q 44 (39-50) Nivolumab 30 37 (32-43) Hazard ratio for death, nivo+ipi vs. 34 (28-39) ipilimumab, 0.53 (95% CI, 0.44-0.65) 20 26 (22-31) Ipilimumab Hazard ratio for death, nivolumab vs. 10 19 (15-24) ipilimumab, 0.63 (95% CI, 0.52-0.76) 0 Hazard ratio for death, nivo+ipi VS. 0 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96 102 108 114 120 126 132 nivolumab, 0.85 (95% CI, 0.69-1.05) Months No. at Risk Nivo+ipi 314 265 227 210 199 187 179 169 163 158 156 153 147 144 139 126 124 120 117 115 92 10 0 Nivolumab 316 265 231 201 181 171 158 145 141 137 134 130 126 123 118 107 102 98 96 92 77 4 0 Ipilimumab 315 253 203 163 135 113 100 94 87 81 75 68 64 64 63 50 49 44 43 42 35 3 0 --- [Slide 2] Overall Survival According to Treatment Group in the Intention-to-Treat Population 100 90 80 100 70 Percentage of Patients Pembrolizumab-chemotherapy 60 90 50 40 80 30 Placebo-chemotherapy 20 0 0 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 10 0 0 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 Months No. at Risk Pembrolizumab-chemotherapy 784 777 760 742 720 712 698 693 683 677 670 656 448 176 0 Placebo-chemotherapy 390 389 385 366 354 345 336 328 321 318 313 300 199 82 0 --- [Slide 3] Event-free Survival No. of Patients 100 with Median 90 Event/Total Event-free No. Survival 80 76.0 67.8 Durvalumab (%) (95% CI) 70 Percentage of Patients mo 69.9 60 H# Durvalumab 187/533 NR (NR-NR) 59.8 50 (35.1) Comparison Comparison 246/530 46.1 (32.2-NR) 40 (46.4) 30 Hazard ratio for event, 0.68 (95% CI, 20 0.56-0.82) 10 Stratified P<0.001 by log-rank test 0 Median follow-up among patients 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 with censored data, Months since Randomization 42.3 mo (range, 0.03-61.3) No. at Risk Durvalumab 533 475 424 386 356 344 330 315 282 255 202 141 11586 81 32 20 20 1 0 Comparison 530 437 381 343 313 296 281 264 228 214 172 132 9469 62 24 18 16 2 0
Oncology Brothers
Oncology Brothers @OncBrothers
NIAGARA Data
16K impressions · 82 likes · May 6, 2025
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[Slide 1] March 28, 2025 NIAGARA Perioperative Durvalumab FDA Approval Indications Neoadjuvant Durvalumab with Cis/Gem followed by radical cystectomy, and then adjuvant durvalumab, for adults with muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Trial: Randomized, Phase III, N=1063 Cis/Gem + Durvalumab VS. Placebo Primary Endpoint pCR Rate: 37.3% 27.5% HR 1.60 (95%CI, 1.23-2.08, p = 0.0005) 2-Yr EFS Rates 67.8% 59.8% HR 0.68 (95%CI, 0.56-0.82, p < 0.001) Secondary Endpoint 2-Yr OS Rates 82.2% 75.2% HR 0.75 (95%CI, 0.59-0.93) Side effects:* fatigue, nausea/vomiting, neutropenia, rash, fever, musculoskeletal pain, anemia, thrombocytopenia, along with immune-mediated adverse events hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism. Disclaimer: *Please note that we are only listing the most common toxicities; this is not an exhaustive list of side effects. For a comprehensive overview, please refer to the official package insert or relevant clinical guidelines. Dosage: Cis/Gem + Durvalumab at 1500mg Q3W for 4 cycles radical cystectomy Durvalumab 1500mg Q4W 8 cycles ONC Website: Brothe www.oncbrothers.com X @OncBrothers

NIAGARA Trial Design

Design — Phase III, randomized, open-label: neoadjuvant durvalumab + gemcitabine/cisplatin, then radical cystectomy, then adjuvant single-agent durvalumab, vs neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone in 1,063 cisplatin-eligible MIBC patients (ESMO 2024).

First trial to demonstrate OS benefit with perioperative immunotherapy in cisplatin-eligible MIBC. Immediately practice-changing. Debate centers on optimal sequencing vs. adjuvant nivolumab (CheckMate-274) and patient selection across the perioperative/adjuvant/observation options.

FDA Approval

FDA APPROVED Imfinzi — Durvalumab (Imfinzi) with gemcitabine and cisplatin as neoadjuvant treatment, followed by single-agent durvalumab as adjuvant treatment after radical cystectomy, in adult patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

FDA approval date: 2025-03-28.

📄 Source: FDA Press Release →

NIAGARA FAQ

What is the NIAGARA trial?

NIAGARA (NCT03732677) is a Phase III, randomized, open-label AstraZeneca trial in 1,063 cisplatin-eligible patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer, comparing perioperative durvalumab plus neoadjuvant gemcitabine/cisplatin with neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone. See Trial Design.

What did NIAGARA show?

NIAGARA met its event-free survival co-primary endpoint and also showed an overall survival benefit for perioperative durvalumab — the first trial to do so with perioperative immunotherapy in MIBC. Figures and sources: At a Glance.

Is durvalumab FDA approved for muscle-invasive bladder cancer?

Yes. On March 28, 2025 the FDA approved durvalumab (Imfinzi) with gemcitabine and cisplatin as neoadjuvant treatment, followed by single-agent adjuvant durvalumab after radical cystectomy, for adults with MIBC, based on NIAGARA. See At a Glance.

What is the safety profile of perioperative durvalumab in NIAGARA?

Immune-related adverse events were consistent with the known durvalumab profile, with no new safety signals, and radical cystectomy completion was comparable between arms. See At a Glance.

Why is NIAGARA important?

It is the first trial to show an overall survival benefit with perioperative immunotherapy in cisplatin-eligible MIBC. Debate continues on sequencing versus adjuvant nivolumab (CheckMate-274) and on patient selection. See At a Glance.

NIAGARA in the News

Key KOL Sentiments — NIAGARA

See full physician sentiment on Imfinzi →
DoctorSentimentComment
Elizabeth Plimack MD ● POSITIVE NIAGRA presented #ESMO24 and published today @NEJM – huge accomplishment 1000+ patients enrolled. Exciting results! Some thoughts on applying them to practice... https://t.co/6vXd50lC83
Dr. Antonio Calles ● POSITIVE ⭐️ Mind blowing results of immunotherapy across different tumor types presented #ESMO24 now at @NEJM - Melanoma (CM 067) 10 years FU Nivo, Nivo-Ipi. - TNBC (KEYNOTE-522): 5y OS perioperative chemo+pembro - Bladder cancer (NIAGARA): Perioperative chemo+durva #ESMOAmbassadors https://t.co/lRF5sseC8Q
Neeraj Agarwal, MD, FASCO ● POSITIVE Breaking news (practice changing) from @myESMO #ESMO24 👉@tompowles1 presents the 1st results of the ph3 Niagara trial of cisplatin + gemcitabine +|- durvalumab in MIBC #bladdercancer 👉Significant improvement in DFS (HR 0.68) &amp; OS (HR 0.75) with durvalumab @OncoAlert @urotoday https://t.co/CsipAvOLe8
Toni Choueiri, MD ● POSITIVE NIAGARA. Chemo +Durva is a NEW SOC in HIGH RISK PERIOP Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer #ESMO24. @tompowles1 does it again! Concomitant @NEJM paper! https://t.co/6H7JzrZnsm
Dr Amol Akhade ● POSITIVE Excellent slide from @asco #GU25 To compare Niagara vs dose Dense MVAC trials. Neoadjuvant therapy is important in MIBC . @OncoAlert https://t.co/Sb4ikF6Ma0
Neeraj Agarwal, MD, FASCO ● POSITIVE Wonderful talk by @PGrivasMDPhD on neoadj #bladdercancer treatment w updates #NIAGARA , role of ctDNA and ongoing neoadjuvant/adjuvant trials👉his take home message for our clinical practice. #ESMO25 #ESMOAmbassador @OncoAlert @myESMO https://t.co/C1dfwHcn2w
Petros Grivas ● POSITIVE Fantastic atmosphere in Barcelona Presidential symposium with practice changing data including NIAGARA trial #bladdercancer @myESMO #ESMO24 #ESMOAmbassadors @OncoAlert @Uromigos @tompowles1 @DrChoueiri @MyriamChalabi @lab_kok @curijoey @KKronig @AndresC27622123 @peters_solange https://t.co/0KfdqnuyiJ https://t.co/8Hsc3ufYqS
Tian Zhang, MD, MHS ● POSITIVE Masterful discussion from @PGrivasMDPhD -- placing #NIAGARA in context of our #bladdercancer practice -- neoadjuvant and adjuvant OS benefits. Patients are living longer from earlier use of IO agents. Proposes future trial designs. @myESMO #ESMO24 #ESMOAmbassadors @OncoAlert https://t.co/UDtmsD84Ni
Neeraj Agarwal, MD, FASCO ● POSITIVE Fantastic discussion of the Niagara trial results by master @PGrivasMDPhD in the @myESMO #ESMO24 presidential session👉Comparison with other adjuvant trials👇perioperative durvalumab with cisplatin chemo is new standard of care due to OS benefit @urotoday @OncoAlert https://t.co/0Vu6oHkZst https://t.co/jvZNdaoF4w
Yüksel Ürün ● POSITIVE Excellent discussion of CheckMate 274 &amp; NIAGARA by @ERPlimackMD always! 🔥 Great insights into the evolving landscape of perioperative &amp; adjuvant immunotherapy in bladder cancer! 💡 @asco @oncoalert #cancer #oncology #GU25 @MikeSerzanMD @drenriquegrande @crisbergerot… https://t.co/2JTUAZ0ODK https://t.co/rWIK9rEJ1E
NEJM ● NEUTRAL Neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus durvalumab, followed by adjuvant durvalumab after cystectomy, led to event-free survival superior to that with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by cystectomy alone. Full NIAGARA trial results: https://t.co/n8af0OisfY #ESMO24 https://t.co/PVVmTZKtyf
Oncology Brothers ● NEUTRAL &lt; 2 wks to #ASCO25, here is a📝 of 🔑abstracts for general onc that could guide our SoC! - #ATOMIC - #MATTERHORN - #SERENA6 - #ASCENT04 - #DestinyBreast09 - #IMforte &amp; #Dellphi304 - Updates: #CM816 &amp; #NIAGARA - #NIVOPOSTOP - #VERIFY #OncTwitter @ASCO @OncoAlert https://t.co/s6EWz5I8i9
Timothée Olivier, MD ● NEUTRAL Post-#ESMO24 #ESMO2024 Edition ! With @VPrasadMDMPH , we review 6 trials: -NIAGARA (periop durva bladder) -AMBASSADOR (adj pembro bladder) -LEAP-012 -SOLARIS (vitD CRC) -CONTACT-02 - and SPLASH in mCRPC https://t.co/6L2PDkT73D
Oncology Brothers ● NEUTRAL One page takeaway from #NIAGARA study that resulted in #durvalumab’s @FDAOncology approval on March 28, 2025 for resectable muscle invasive #BladderCancer #OncTwitter #MedTwitter #gusm @OncoAlert @tompowles1 https://t.co/d1ovIRt4g7 https://t.co/IOUpaGOMSm
Tom Powles ● NEUTRAL NIAGRA: neoadjuvant gem/cis +/- perioperative durvalumab shows significant OS and EFS. #GU25 @MattGalsky now shows the prognostic relevance of pCR. It also showed the durvalumab outperforms the control arm irrespective of pCR. @OncoAlert https://t.co/oG49FzMj0M
NEJM ● NEUTRAL Listen to the NEJM editors discuss the significance of the NIAGARA trial in a podcast: https://t.co/15pOYwjRvg #ESMO24
Neeraj Agarwal, MD, FASCO ● NEUTRAL Ab#659 @ASCO #GU25 by @MattGalsky 👉https://t.co/hlZ7AC2Oz6 👉Ph3 NIAGARA trial of perioperative durvalumab + neo-adj gem-cis vs. neo-adj gem-cis in MIBC #bladdercancer👉Durva improved EFS &amp; OS in pts w/ or w/o a pCR👇@tompowles1 @Uromigos @OncoAlert @urotoday @BladdercancerUS https://t.co/eg5jKOwqad
Tom Powles ● NEUTRAL 3 studies testing Perioperative immune bases therapy (EVP or Gem/Cis/Durva) in muscle invasive bladder all have shown an OS advantage vs standard of care. KN905 (EVP) is distinct in that it’s in a cisplatin ineligible population (accounting for the poor performance of the control https://t.co/qmrJoN2inz
Yüksel Ürün ● NEUTRAL NIAGARA shows that perioperative durvalumab plus neoadjuvant chemotherapy significantly improves event-free survival and overall survival in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer compared to neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone. @NEJM @tompowles1 #ESMO24 @oncoalert @myESMO… https://t.co/PtFXb18h5A https://t.co/wVQpavx9pc
Marta Orozco Belinchon ● NEUTRAL Is this the end of cisplatin in MIBC? With the results from NIAGARA, KEYNOTE-B15/EV-304, and KEYNOTE-905/EV-303, along with the emergence of ctDNA in IMvigor011, it is becoming increasingly difficult to defend it as the sole backbone of perioperative treatment. Are we truly https://t.co/RzCBjhFS3Q
Dra. María Natalia Gandur Quiroga ● NEUTRAL 📢 @ASCO #GU25 | Abstract #659 🔬 NIAGARA: Perioperative Durvalumab + NAC improves survival &amp; pCR in MIBC! @tompowles1 @MattGalsky @MichvdHeijde 📊 Key Findings (N=1063, FU: April 2024) ✅ ↓ Risk of metastases/death by 33% (HR 0.67, P&lt;0.001) ✅ ↓ Bladder cancer mortality by 31%… https://t.co/ubdbK1sHmj https://t.co/VhiRvJWKin
Tom Powles ● NEUTRAL The FDA approved perioperative duvalumab with neoadjuvant chemo for muscle invasive bladder cancer today. It’s the only perioperative immune therapy trial with significant OS (0.75). Surgical safety was maintained. NCCN approval recently too #GUtrends25 https://t.co/oZz4Uj6MFy
Oncology Brothers ● NEUTRAL Durvalumab now @US_FDA approved in resectable MIBC based off #NIAGARA: Ph III, Gem/Cis +/- Durvalumab —&gt; ✂️ —&gt; post-op Durva - New SoC - 2 yr OS: 82.2% vs. 75.2% (HR: 0.75) - 2yr EFS: 67.8% vs. 59.8% (HR: 0.68) - Do we need adj Durva if pCR? #OncTwitter #MedTwitter #gusm https://t.co/4Uia7MP3YE
Toni Choueiri, MD ● NEUTRAL All eyes on @tompowles1 this afternoon for #NIAGARA trial which is likely to establish a new SOC (again) in bladder cancer! https://t.co/yfTfsxc86H
Karine Tawagi MD ● NEGATIVE cTDNA in #NIAGARA by @tompowles1 🌀57% (+) at baseline Prognostic before and after cystectomy: 🌀Clearance 13% higher w/ Durva, but Durva arm did better regardless of ctDNA 🌀 (-) not ass w/ pCR, but (+) ass w/ non-pCR &amp; worse EFS Still ❓for benefit of adjuvant #ASCO25 https://t.co/ETk4e9GgPG
Timothée Olivier, MD ● NEGATIVE Where are post-recurrence data? Not available. NIAGARA enrolled in LMIC countries with limited access to best post-recurrence care, which likely led to positive OS. Despite high expectations, NIAGARA did not have a standing ovation, and this is a good sign for oncology! https://t.co/IRvgi78f9H https://t.co/ISWhYi4MWw https://t.co/8fXUNKohQ2
Enrique Grande ● NEGATIVE #Niagara study at #ASCO25: Pre-surgery ctDNA is prognostic in perioperative MIBC. Being ctDNA– ≠ pCR, but if ctDNA+ → chances of pCR are close to zero. The real challenge: how should we define clinical CR to potentially avoid radical, mutilating surgery? Brilliant talk by https://t.co/FK8qjCXUtL
Vinay Prasad MD MPH ● NEGATIVE @SuyogCancer @PGrivasMDPhD @Timothee_MD @myESMO The authors have not even looked at post recurrence data. I think this is a new low @NEJM should have made them report this as condition to publish. Sad day for doctors who want to read science and be able to analyze it properly
Vinay Prasad MD MPH ● NEGATIVE @SuyogCancer @tompowles1 The authors have not even explored post-recurrence data. Pretty bad
Tom Powles ● NEGATIVE 3/3 The ctDNA biomarker is not perfect (-ves still relapse post surgery) &amp; there was no 3rd arm in NIAGARA with neoadjuvant D+NAC alone. Therefore ctDNA &amp; pCR cannot determine the importance of adjuvant durva. A 3rd arm needed 1500 pts which seemed too many back in 2016 #ASCO25
Toni Choueiri, MD ● NEUTRAL Elegant talk by @MattGalsky looking at molecular drivers and subtypes in relation to treatment benefit in #NIAGARA #ESMO26 #Day2 @myESMO @OncoAlert https://t.co/nlzwm0f57T
Julian Chavarriaga ● NEUTRAL #ESMO26 Can molecular profiling identify who benefits most from perioperative durvalumab in MIBC? Exploratory genomic/transcriptomic analyses from NIAGARA. 🔹 TP53alt in 50% of tumors, co-occurred with RB1, while mutually exclusive with FGFR3. 🔹ERCC2-mutated tumors achieved 75% pCR across treatment arms. 🔹 EFS benefit: TMB-high HR 0.44; TP53-mutated HR 0.51; FGFR3-mutated HR 0.24. 🔹 Immune-enriched subtypes: Basal-squamous HR 0.47; luminal-infiltrated HR 0.67. 🔹 Higher T-effector infiltration and IFNγ signaling were associated with greater benefit. @UroToday @myESMO
Dra. María Natalia Gandur Quiroga ● POSITIVE 🚨⭐🟠 #ESMO26 | Day 2 | Abstract 4741RO | NIAGARA Exploratory Analysis of Molecular Subtypes and Association With Treatment Outcomes in Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer 🎤 Excellent presentation by @MattGalsky 🇺🇸 @OncoAlert @myESMO 🧬 Does tumor biology influence the benefit of perioperative durvalumab in MIBC? 🔬 STUDY DESIGN Phase III NIAGARA | N=1,063 Perioperative durvalumab + neoadjuvant gemcitabine/cisplatin vs chemotherapy alone, followed by radical cystectomy. Exploratory molecular analysis: ✅ Whole-exome sequencing: n=407 ✅ RNA sequencing: n=402 📊 KEY MOLECULAR FINDINGS 🔹 Broad EFS benefit: Durvalumab-containing treatment favored EFS across multiple mutation-defined subgroups. 🔹 Genomic alterations: Greater apparent benefit was observed in tumors harboring TP53 or FGFR3 mutations, cell-cycle or RTK/RAS/PI3K pathway alterations, and high tumor mutational burden. 🔹 Basal-squamous subtype: Showed one of the strongest exploratory signals of benefit, with increased immune-infiltration signatures. 🔹 Luminal-papillary subtype: The EFS benefit appeared less evident than in other transcriptomic subtypes. ⚠️ These findings are exploratory. No molecular subtype has been prospectively validated to predict differential benefit from perioperative durvalumab. ⭐ MY POINT OF VIEW | CLINICAL PEARL Molecular heterogeneity may influence the magnitude of benefit, but it should not yet determine who receives potentially curative perioperative immunotherapy. 🧬 The real opportunity is moving from molecular classification toward clinically validated predictive biomarkers. 💡 The future is not simply knowing the tumor subtype—it is knowing how to act on it without compromising cure. Congratulations to @MattGalsky and the NIAGARA investigators for this insightful translational analysis! @urologysummit @gbanna74 @ravikanesvaran @Uromigos @LosUromigos @tompowles1 @PGrivasMDPhD @apolo_andrea @AndreaNecchi @sonpavde @drenriquegrande @montypal @ecancer @UrologyTimes @urotoday @wearemedsir @OpenMedicineHQ #BladderCancer #MIBC #GUOncology #PrecisionOncology #Biomarkers
Martin ZapataLaguado ● NEUTRAL #ESMO26 | NIAGARA Perioperative durva+ chemo improved EFS in molecular subtypes of MIBC. TMB-high: HR 0.44 TP53-mut: HR 0.51 FGFR3-mut: HR 0.24 B-s and luminal-Inf tumors showed immune signatures and greater pCR @SCUColombia @achoHematoYOnco @myESMO @ASCO @OncoAlert @oncodaily https://t.co/ure2y7UpEc
David H Aggen, MD PhD ● NEUTRAL NIAGARA biomarker analysis at #ESMO26 🧬 DDR alterations (ERCC2, KMT2C, FAT1) associated with higher pCR rates across arms. 📊 Perioperative durvalumab + NAC improved EFS across most molecular subtypes, with greatest apparent benefit in basal-squamous and luminal tumors. 🔬 T-effector/IFNγ-high tumors showed greater pCR gains. Exploratory findings—no validated biomarker to select patients for durvalumab.