The grant from the U.S. Department of Defense supports ongoing development of an interferon (IFN)-γ targeted therapy to treat chronic pain caused by interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.

“We have the most advanced early-stage bladder cancer program in the world,” says Dr. Michael A. O'Donnell, who has developed a handful of novel multi-agent chemotherapy regimens for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

A new study from the University of Iowa Department of Urology finds that a safe, inexpensive combo-chemotherapy is better tolerated than BCG and is better at preventing high-grade cancer recurrence in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

The award will cover up to $1,000 in travel and housing costs during a four-week advanced elective.