What should you know about Padcev and bladder cancer?

Padcev, also called enfortumab vedotin, is an antibody–drug conjugate. It is designed to bind a protein found on many bladder cancer cells and deliver a cell-killing medicine into the cell. It is given by infusion, and the oncology team checks blood tests, symptoms and treatment response. Possible problems include skin reactions, changes in blood sugar, nerve symptoms, eye symptoms, tiredness and infusion reactions. Your team explains which warning signs apply to you.

Ask why Padcev is being proposed, what previous treatments matter, how often it is given, and which tests will be used for monitoring. Tell the team about diabetes, numbness or tingling, skin problems, eye disease, medicines and allergies. Bladder cancer care may also involve cystoscopy, bladder removal surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or intravesical BCG therapy, depending on tumour depth and spread. Review the Bladder Cancer page to understand the wider pathway.

Contact the oncology team promptly for a new widespread rash, peeling skin, painful blisters, fever, confusion, severe thirst or frequent urination, new weakness or numbness, vision changes, or breathing difficulty. Seek emergency help for severe breathing problems, facial swelling, collapse or rapidly worsening skin symptoms. Do not wait for the next infusion if a serious reaction is developing.

Ask whether Padcev is being used alone or with another medicine, what benefit the team is seeking, how response will be assessed, which side effects require a same-day call, and what alternatives exist. Ask how treatment could affect work, driving, glucose control and other medicines.