In May 2026, Dr. Marc Bjurlin, Vice Chair of Research and Director of Clinical Trials for the UNC Department of Urology, joined leading experts from around the world in Milan, Italy, for the 10th European Conference on Tobacco or Health (ECToH) – one of the premier international forums dedicated to advancing tobacco control, prevention, and public health policy. His participation underscored UNC Urology’s continued commitment to addressing tobacco-related disease through rigorous research, clinical innovation, and global collaboration.
Advancing Research on Tobacco Exposure and Bladder Cancer Outcomes
During the conference session titled “Health Impacts of Tobacco and Nicotine Use,” Dr. Bjurlin delivered two presentations examining the relationship between tobacco exposure and bladder cancer risk and survivorship outcomes. His talks – “Prognostic Impact of Combustible Smoking Cessation on Bladder Cancer Outcomes” and “Urinary Carcinogens, Molecular Alterations, and Bladder Cancer Risk in Electronic Cigarette Users” – highlighted emerging evidence linking smoking behaviors and nicotine exposure to measurable biological changes that influence cancer development and long-term outcomes.
These presentations reflect the translational nature of Dr. Bjurlin’s work, which bridges laboratory discovery, clinical care, and public health. By examining how behavioral changes, such as smoking cessation, affect disease progression. His research contributes to a growing body of evidence that informs prevention strategies and survivorship care for patients with bladder cancer.
Guiding International Dialogue on Smoking Cessation Strategies
In addition to presenting new research findings, Dr. Bjurlin played a leadership role in shaping the scientific dialogue at ECToH by co-chairing the symposium “Smoking Cessation: The Role of Cytisine” alongside Prof. Krzysztof Przewozniak. The session focused on the pharmacologic and clinical role of cytisine as a treatment option for tobacco dependence, including its potential effectiveness in high-risk populations and its place within evolving smoking cessation guidelines.
As co-chair, Dr. Bjurlin helped guide discussion among international experts on current needs, barriers, and opportunities in smoking cessation – an area of growing importance as clinicians and policymakers seek evidence-based approaches to reduce the burden of tobacco-related disease worldwide.
Building on a Sustained International Presence in Tobacco Control
Dr. Bjurlin’s participation in ECToH 2026 builds on a pattern of sustained international engagement in tobacco-related research and prevention. In Fall 2023, he delivered a plenary lecture at the 8th Annual European Conference on Tobacco Control in Florence, Italy, where he addressed the relationship between e-cigarette use and bladder cancer risk and helped curate a session featuring global leaders in tobacco control.
Together, these engagements reflect a consistent commitment to advancing the scientific understanding of tobacco-related carcinogenesis and promoting strategies that support prevention, early detection, and survivorship. As tobacco use continues to evolve, research that clarifies the biological and clinical consequences of exposure remains essential.
Through his work at UNC and collaboration with international partners, Dr. Bjurlin continues to contribute to the development of evidence-based approaches that inform clinical care and public health policy. In doing so, his work reflects a broader mission of UNC Urology – to advance knowledge, improve patient outcomes, and engage with the global community in addressing some of the most pressing challenges in cancer prevention and survivorship.