Pearls & Perspectives: From Pediatrics to Bladder Cancer Innovation, with Katherine Chan, MD, MPH

In this episode of Pearls & Perspectives, host Amy Pearlman, MD, welcomes Katherine Chan, MD, MPH, a pediatric urologist and former vice chair of research at University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill, to discuss her unexpected yet purposeful transition into the world of bladder cancer drug development.

Chan shares how her passion for research and desire to impact patients on a broader scale led her from academia to industry. She highlights the surprising rigor behind industry-sponsored clinical trials and the extensive collaboration required to run large global studies—dispelling common misconceptions about bias and scientific quality.

Now part of enGene, Chan describes her role in developing detalimogene voraplasmid, a nonviral gene therapy for non–muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Unlike viral-based agents, this therapy offers easier handling, storage, and redosing, making it more practical for community urologists. Currently being studied in the global LEGEND trial (NCT04752722), the agent targets BCG-unresponsive NMIBC using a dual mechanism that activates both innate and adaptive immunity.

The conversation explores the broader challenges in NMIBC research, including trial recruitment, tumor heterogeneity, and the growing need for collaboration between academia, community practice, and industry. Chan also emphasizes the importance of visibility and networking—particularly through platforms like LinkedIn—for urologists interested in becoming key opinion leaders or transitioning to industry roles.

Looking ahead, Chan sees artificial intelligence and sub-specialized “centers of excellence” as shaping the future of bladder cancer care. Her key message: This is an unprecedentedly exciting time in bladder cancer, with new, patient-friendly therapies on the horizon. For patients, she underscores one takeaway—there are more options than ever before, and hope is stronger than ever.

Chapters
1:30 How a pediatric urologist gets into the bladder cancer space
12:04 How to become a key opinion leader
19:01 The NMIBC treatment landscape
25:55 Naming detalimogene voraplasmid
31:09 Where enGene stands in the clinical trial process
37:21 Implications of treatment for community urologists