Summary of the 8th Annual Bladder Cancer Think Tank: Collaborating to move research forward

Abstract

Objectives: The 8th Annual Bladder Cancer Think Tank (BCAN-TT) brought together a multidisciplinary group of clinicians, researchers, and patient advocates in an effort to advance bladder cancer research.

Methods and materials: With the theme of "Collaborating to Move Research Forward," the meeting included three panel presentations and seven small working groups.

Results: The panel presentations and interactive discussions focused on three main areas: gender disparities, sexual dysfunction, and targeting novel pathways in bladder cancer. Small working groups also met to identify projects for the upcoming year, including: (1) improving enrollment and quality of clinical trials; (2) collecting data from multiple institutions for future research; (3) evaluating patterns of care for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer; (4) improving delivery of care for muscle-invasive disease; (5) improving quality of life for survivors; (6) addressing upper tract disease; and (7) examining the impact of health policy changes on research and treatment of bladder cancer.

Conclusions: The goal of the BCAN-TT is to advance the care of patients with bladder cancer and to promote collaborative research throughout the year. The meeting provided ample opportunities for collaboration among clinicians from multiple disciplines, patients and patient advocates, and industry representatives.

Keywords: BCAN; Bladder cancer; Gender disparities; Sexual dysfunction; Targeted therapies; Think Tank; Working groups.