Urothelial Carcinoma or Bladder Cancer

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with urothelial carcinoma or bladder cancer, you may be trying to learn as much as possible about the disease and its treatments. Read on to find out more.
The information on this website should be discussed with your healthcare professional and does not replace their advice.
What is urothelial carcinoma?
Urothelial carcinoma is the most common type of bladder cancer. It starts in the urothelial cells that line the bladder wall. The bladder is a hollow sac that stores urine (pee).
Another name for urothelial carcinoma is transitional cell carcinoma.
Urothelial carcinoma is more common in men than in women.
Treatment with KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab)
Your doctor will plan your treatment according to your individual circumstances. The treatment provided may depend on the type and stage of the cancer, your age and your general health.
KEYTRUDA is an immunotherapy that may be used to treat certain patients with urothelial carcinoma or bladder cancer:
- KEYTRUDA may be used alone when your cancer has spread beyond the bladder and you have received chemotherapy that contains platinum. KEYTRUDA is funded for patients who meet specific criteria.
- KEYTRUDA may be used alone when your cancer has spread beyond the bladder, and you are not able to receive a particular chemotherapy that contains platinum and your tumour tests positive for a type of protein known as “PD-L1”. However, KEYTRUDA is not funded for these patients, which means you will need to pay for the full cost of the medicine and its administration.
- KEYTRUDA may be used alone when your cancer has spread beyond the bladder, and you are not able to receive any chemotherapy that contains platinum. However, KEYTRUDA is not funded for these patients, which means you will need to pay for the full cost of the medicine and its administration.
- KEYTRUDA may be used alone if your cancer has not spread to nearby tissue in the bladder but is at high risk of spreading and your tumour is a type called ‘carcinoma in situ’ and you have previously tried treatment with an immunostimulant that did not work, and you are either unable to or have chosen not to undergo surgery to remove your bladder. However, KEYTRUDA is not funded for these patients, which means you will need to pay for the full cost of the medicine and its administration.
To determine if KEYTRUDA is a suitable option for you, please consult your doctor.
Glossary
Expand for more information on terms and definitions related to urothelial carcinoma.
Terms you may find useful:
Carcinoma
The most common type of cancer. It is formed by epithelial cells. These cells cover the inside and outside of our body – for example, the urothelial cells lining the bladder wall.
Cystectomy
Surgery to remove part or all of the bladder.
High-grade bladder cancer
A fast-growing cancer that may spread into the bladder muscle and to other parts of the body.
Oncologist
A doctor who specialises in treating cancer with drug therapies – for example, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
PD-L1
A protein that may protect cancer cells from being found by the immune system.
Prognosis
The expected outcome of your cancer. Your doctor is the best person to ask about your prognosis, but it is not possible for anyone to predict the exact course of cancer.
Tumour
A new or abnormal growth of tissue on or in the body. Tumours can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Urinary system
System that remove waste from the blood and then from the body in the form of urine (pee). It includes the kidneys and bladder.
Urologist
A doctor who treats diseases of urinary system.
Urothelial cells
Cells that line many organs, including the bladder. Also called transitional cells.

Questions to ask your doctor

Patient Resources
References:
Cancer Council Australia. 2024. Understanding Bladder Cancer. A guide for people with cancer, their families and friends.
Available at: https://www.cancer.org.au/assets/pdf/understanding-bladder-cancer-booklet
Accessed on 23/04/2025
Cancer Council Australia. 2025. Understanding Immunotherapy. A guide for people affected by cancer.
Available at: https://www.cancer.org.au/assets/pdf/understanding-immunotherapy-fact-sheet
Accessed on 22/04/2025
KEYTRUDA Data Sheet
PHARMAC. The Pharmaceutical Schedule.
Available at: https://schedule.pharmac.govt.nz/2025/04/01/Schedule.pdf
Accessed on 22/03/2025
KEYTRUDA Consumer Medicine Information
National Cancer Institute. 2021. What is Cancer?
Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer#types
Accessed on 01/09/2023
National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms. Cystectomy.
Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/cystectomy
Accessed on 01/05/2025
National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms. PD-L1.
Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/pd-l1
Accessed on 23/03/2025
National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms. Tumour.
Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/tumor
Accessed on 01/05/2025
National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms. Urinary system.
Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/urinary-system
Accessed on 01/05/2025
NZ-KEY-00879v2. TAPS DA 2419KN TAPS NP22866. Last updated June 2025.