Blood test to detect cancer DNA in bladder cancer patients

This study is evaluating a blood test that can detect circulating tumor DNA—genetic material from cancer cells that circulates in the bloodstream. Researchers will use tumor tissue from your cancer diagnosis to identify the specific mutations in your cancer, then look for those same mutations in your blood samples collected during routine clinical visits. This blood test, called ctDNA sequencing, may help doctors monitor whether cancer is returning or responding to treatment.

After treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer or upper urinary tract cancer, patients face a significant risk of the cancer returning or getting worse. Currently, doctors rely on imaging scans and clinical exams to monitor for recurrence, which may not catch early signs of returning cancer. This blood test could provide earlier warning signs by detecting cancer DNA in the blood, potentially helping doctors catch recurrence sooner.