Using urine tests instead of invasive procedures for bladder cancer follow-up

Replacing Invasive Cystoscopy with Urine Testing for Non-muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Surveillance

NIH-funded research Veterans Education/res/assn/north/ne · NIH-10893922

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 typeR37 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVeterans Education/res/assn/north/ne NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (White River Junction, United States)
Project IDNIH-10893922 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer who are currently undergoing regular cystoscopy surveillance.

Not a fit: Patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer or those who are not undergoing cystoscopy surveillance may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: Preliminary data suggest that urine tests may effectively replace cystoscopy, indicating a promising avenue for less invasive monitoring.

Where this research is happening

White River Junction, 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.
Conditions Bladder CancerCancer SurvivorCancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.