Understanding Cancer Survival for WTC First Responders
Cancer Survival in WTC First Responders vs. Comparable Occupational Cohorts
This research looks into why World Trade Center first responders in a special health program might live longer after a cancer diagnosis compared to other cancer patients.
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 ID | NIH-11074514 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We previously noticed that WTC rescue and recovery workers who are part of the WTC Health Program seem to have better survival rates after being diagnosed with cancer. This improved survival was seen for both all causes of death and deaths specifically from cancer. We believe this might be due to the excellent care and monitoring they receive through the program, which provides medical services at no cost. This project aims to confirm these findings and pinpoint the exact reasons behind this survival advantage by comparing them to similar groups of workers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant to World Trade Center first responders, especially those enrolled in the WTC Health Program, and other individuals interested in occupational health and cancer survival.
Not a fit: Patients not associated with the World Trade Center events or similar occupational exposures may not directly benefit from this specific cohort analysis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could help us understand how comprehensive health programs and specific types of care might improve cancer outcomes for other patient groups.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon previous findings that observed improved cancer survival rates in WTC-exposed rescue/recovery workers within the WTC Health Program.
Where this research is happening
Bronx, United States
- 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 below.