Urine biomarker test to guide cystectomy decisions for bladder cancer
Official title: Clinical Translation of a Urine-Based Biomarker for the Detection of Residual Disease in Radical Cystectomy Candidates
Funded at Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr · NIH-11285636 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A urine test called NTACT could help doctors decide whether radical cystectomy is really needed for some bladder cancer patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $263,670 |
| NIH project number | 1UH2CA299386-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11285636 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with localized bladder cancer being considered for radical cystectomy who have undergone prior treatments such as neoadjuvant chemotherapy or intravesical therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with disease clearly committed to cystectomy or those whose cancer biology is not reflected by the urine biomarker may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to use a noninvasive urine biomarker to identify residual cancer in patients considered for radical cystectomy, potentially sparing some from this major surgery. The study will test how well the urine biomarker predicts remaining disease after initial treatments and before deciding on cystectomy. Researchers will follow patients through diagnostic steps, compare results with surgical pathology, and assess how the test could change current practice. If successful, the approach could reduce unnecessary surgeries and their associated costs and morbidities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the biomarker accurately identifies patients without residual disease, many could avoid surgery and its risks.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work with urine biomarkers has shown promise, but this specific test (NTACT) is being evaluated for its ability to guide cystectomy decisions.
Where this research is happening
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Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abbosh, Philip — Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Abbosh, Philip
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.