Using urine tests instead of invasive procedures for bladder cancer follow-up
Official title: Replacing Invasive Cystoscopy with Urine Testing for Non-muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Surveillance
Funded at Veterans Education/res/assn/north/ne · NIH-10893922 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether urine tests can replace the uncomfortable cystoscopy procedures for people with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, making it easier to check for cancer recurrence while keeping patients safe and healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Education/res/assn/north/ne NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (White River Junction, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $565,926 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA275916-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10893922 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer who are currently undergoing regular cystoscopy surveillance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer or those who are not undergoing cystoscopy surveillance may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the possibility of replacing invasive cystoscopy procedures with urine tests for patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Currently, patients undergo cystoscopy every 3 to 6 months, which can be uncomfortable and burdensome. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of urine tests, such as the Xpert Bladder Cancer Monitor and Bladder EpiCheck, in detecting cancer recurrence while minimizing patient discomfort. By comparing these urine tests to traditional cystoscopy, the research seeks to determine if less frequent and less invasive monitoring can maintain patient safety and health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the discomfort and frequency of invasive procedures for bladder cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest that urine tests may effectively replace cystoscopy, indicating a promising avenue for less invasive monitoring.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Education/res/assn/north/ne
White River Junction, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schroeck, Florian R — Veterans Education/res/assn/north/ne
- Study coordinator: Schroeck, Florian R
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Nrf2 in T cells and how it could boost immune power against bladder cancer
A small grant will explore how a T-cell protein called Nrf2 affects muscle-invasive bladder cancer and whether targeting it could help patients respond better to immune therapies.
-
Repurposing spironolactone to treat bladder cancer inside the bladder
Aims to repurpose spironolactone as an intravesical treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer to help prevent recurrence and progression.
-
Body fats and immune signals shaping bladder cancer outlook
This study will look at how body composition and immune/inflammatory states at diagnosis relate to the outlook for people with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
-
Novel combination immunotherapy for non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer
Researchers are testing a new combination approach using a special anti-CD40 antibody with existing bladder cancer therapies to help patients whose NMIBC did not respond to standard BCG treatment.
-
Why some bladder cancers don't respond to BCG treatment
This project will use detailed tissue and genetic tests to look for what makes some non-muscle invasive bladder cancers resist BCG so better treatments can be found for people who don't respond.
-
Salt-based nanomedicine to treat bladder cancer that doesn’t respond to standard BCG therapy
A patient-focused overview of a new salt-based nanoparticle therapy designed to target non-muscle invasive bladder cancer that is resistant to BCG treatment.
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.