Improving treatment choices for recurrent bladder cancer
Official title: BEST CARE for Recurrent NMIBC: BladdEr-Sparing Therapy and Cystectomy As TREatments
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11082335 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project helps patients with recurrent bladder cancer and their doctors make better decisions about whether to remove the bladder or try other treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $925,430 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA289268-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11082335 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This project is relevant for patients diagnosed with recurrent high-grade non-muscle invasive bladder cancer who are considering treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who have not experienced recurrent bladder cancer may not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Many people with bladder cancer experience it coming back, which is called recurrent non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). When this happens, patients and their doctors face a difficult choice between treatments that save the bladder but might not fully remove the cancer, or a major surgery to remove the bladder entirely. Currently, there isn't enough clear information to guide this important decision. This project will use information from a large group of patients to understand the best ways to treat recurrent bladder cancer and improve outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide clearer guidance for patients and doctors, leading to more informed and personalized treatment decisions for recurrent bladder cancer.
How similar studies have gone: This project builds upon an existing patient cohort (CISTO Study) to address critical evidence gaps in bladder cancer treatment, suggesting a foundation of prior data collection.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gore, John L. — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Gore, John L.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Calm Bladder: Acupuncture to ease urinary symptoms during NMIBC treatment
A multicenter trial will test whether weekly acupuncture before bladder cancer therapy helps reduce urinary symptoms and improve quality of life for adults with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
-
Comparing bladder-sparing therapies and surgery for recurrent bladder cancer
This study is looking at different treatment options for people with recurring non-muscle invasive bladder cancer to help them and their doctors make better choices about whether to try bladder-sparing therapies or go for surgery, all with the goal of improving their health and quality of life.
-
1-Year Recurrence After En Bloc Resection for Large Bladder Tumors
This trial tests whether en bloc resection of bladder tumors larger than 2.5 cm can reduce recurrence compared with standard transurethral resection in adults with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.
-
Feasibility of automatic, laser-based distance control in people with superficial bladder tumors
This study tests whether the ATLAS system’s distance sensor can accurately guide laser treatment for Ta low-grade bladder tumors in patients during a scheduled outpatient procedure.
-
NMIBC sample collection to test cancer monitoring biomarkers
This study tests a blood, urine, and tumor tissue collection approach in people with high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer to see if a molecular test can detect residual disease and monitor recurrence.
-
Intravesical UGN-501 for Recurrent NMIBC (Phase 1, dose-escalation)
This study tests whether UGN-501 can be safely given into the bladder to treat adults with recurrent non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.
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.