Improving early detection of bladder cancer in veterans exposed to harmful substances

BCCMA: Basic and Translational Mechanisms of Cancer Initiation of the Urothelium in Veterans Exposed to Carcinogens: Leveraging Artificial Neural Networks to Enhance Detection of Carcinoma in situ

NIH-funded research Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys · NIH-10948918

This study is looking to improve how we find early signs of bladder cancer in veterans who may have been exposed to harmful substances, using advanced technology to analyze changes in bladder tissue, so we can create better ways to screen and treat this condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVeterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Palo Alto, United States)
Project IDNIH-10948918 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the detection of bladder cancer, particularly in veterans who have been exposed to carcinogens from smoking and military deployment. By leveraging advanced artificial neural networks, the project aims to identify early-stage bladder cancer, which is often asymptomatic and difficult to detect. The research involves analyzing genetic and molecular changes in the urothelium, the tissue lining the bladder, to develop better screening methods and treatment strategies. The goal is to improve risk stratification and precision treatment for bladder cancer, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are veterans who have been exposed to carcinogens and are at risk for developing bladder cancer.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of exposure to carcinogens or those without bladder cancer risk factors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and more effective treatment options for bladder cancer in veterans.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using artificial intelligence for cancer detection, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Palo Alto, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.