Finding bladder cancer early using urine samples

Early detection of bladder cancer through urothelial cell enrichment and DNA flow cytometry

['FUNDING_CAREER'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-11109419

This work aims to develop a new, easier urine test to find bladder cancer sooner, especially for people who might have blood in their urine.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_CAREER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorJOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11109419 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Bladder cancer is a common and costly disease, and current screening methods can be uncomfortable or not very accurate. This project builds on previous work that used DNA from urine to detect bladder cancer without invasive procedures. The goal is to improve this urine test by making it more accurate, especially when blood is present, and less expensive. Researchers are working on a new technique to collect specific cells from urine and then use a simpler DNA analysis method to look for signs of cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is relevant for individuals at risk for bladder cancer, particularly those who experience blood in their urine.

Not a fit: Patients who have already been diagnosed with bladder cancer or are not at risk for the disease may not directly benefit from this early detection method.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to a highly accurate, non-invasive, and affordable urine test for early bladder cancer detection, potentially improving treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team has shown promising results using urinary DNA for noninvasive bladder cancer detection, and this project aims to overcome current limitations.

Where this research is happening

BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.