Using population models to improve bladder cancer detection and care
Population Modeling of Bladder Cancer Detection and Control
This project uses computer models of large populations to find better ways to detect and manage bladder cancer for people at risk or living with the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11401645 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You can think of this as building computer models that combine real-world data on risk factors, new biomarkers, screening methods, and treatments to predict how different detection and care strategies affect people like you. The team will simulate prevention steps (such as smoking reduction), various biomarker or screening approaches, and newer treatments including immunotherapies and antibody-drug conjugates. By comparing outcomes and costs across these scenarios, the models aim to identify which approaches reduce progression, deaths, and unnecessary procedures. These findings could help guide doctors and health systems toward earlier, more effective, and cost-conscious care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people at increased risk for bladder cancer (for example current or former smokers or those with occupational exposures) and patients with new or recurrent bladder tumors whose care might be shaped by improved detection or control strategies.
Not a fit: People without bladder cancer risk factors or those with very advanced, highly individualized disease may not see direct benefit from population-level recommendations produced by this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to earlier detection and more efficient care that reduce the chance of advanced bladder cancer and lower treatment costs.
How similar studies have performed: Population modeling has successfully guided screening and prevention in other cancers like breast and colorectal cancer, but applying these methods to bladder cancer with newer biomarkers and therapies is a newer effort.
Where this research is happening
Providence, United States
- Brown University — Providence, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Trikalinos, Thomas — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Trikalinos, Thomas
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.