Comparing cancer survival rates in WTC first responders and similar workers
Official title: Cancer Survival in WTC First Responders vs. Comparable Occupational Cohorts
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-10903706 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at why World Trade Center rescue and recovery workers seem to live longer after a cancer diagnosis compared to other cancer patients in New York, by checking the quality of care they received and other factors that might help them survive better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $496,631 |
| NIH project number | 5U01OH012612-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10903706 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are WTC rescue and recovery workers or those diagnosed with cancer who have similar occupational backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of working in rescue or recovery roles related to the WTC may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the cancer survival rates of World Trade Center (WTC) rescue and recovery workers who are part of the WTC Health Program compared to similar cancer patients in New York State. The study aims to understand why these first responders appear to have better survival outcomes after a cancer diagnosis. It will analyze the quality of medical care received by these workers and explore other factors that may contribute to their improved survival rates. By comparing their outcomes with a carefully selected occupational cohort, the research seeks to clarify the reasons behind the observed survival benefits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cancer care strategies for various patient populations based on the findings from WTC first responders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown improved survival outcomes for WTC-exposed workers, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights into cancer care.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zeig-Owens, Rachel — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Zeig-Owens, Rachel
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.