Monitoring blood for bladder cancer treatment effectiveness

Blood-based monitoring of bladder-sparing trimodality therapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer

['FUNDING_R01'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-10892275

This study is looking at a new way to treat muscle-invasive bladder cancer using a mix of chemotherapy and radiation, while also developing blood tests to help doctors see how well the treatment is working and if the cancer comes back, so they can create more personalized care for patients.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10892275 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates a bladder-sparing treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer that combines chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It aims to develop blood tests that can detect circulating tumor cells, which may help predict how well patients respond to treatment and monitor for any recurrence of cancer. By analyzing these blood samples over time, the study seeks to identify molecular markers that can guide personalized treatment plans for patients. This approach offers a non-invasive method to track cancer progression and treatment efficacy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with muscle-invasive bladder cancer who are considering bladder-sparing trimodality therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who have already undergone radical cystectomy or those with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective treatment strategies for patients with bladder cancer, potentially reducing the need for invasive surgeries.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using circulating tumor cells as biomarkers in other cancers, suggesting potential success for this novel approach in bladder cancer.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, 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 →

Conditions: Bladder Cancer, Cancer Biology, Cancer Patient, Cancer Survivor

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.