Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 40 and up

Analyzing blood samples for bladder cancer biomarkers

Official title: Use of Urinary Tumor Cells and Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) in the Prognosis and Therapy of Patients With Bladder (BCa) and Upper Urinary Tract (UTUC) Cancer"

Run by IRCCS San Raffaele · NCT06116396 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether analyzing blood samples can help find important markers for bladder cancer in patients with early-stage disease to improve their treatment and quality of life.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages40 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment450 (estimated)
SponsorIRCCS San Raffaele
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Milan)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 29, 2020
Main results expectedSeptember 29, 2025
Study endsSeptember 29, 2028
Registry record updatedNovember 7, 2023
Trial IDNCT06116396 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are patients diagnosed with urothelial neoplasia who have not yet received any therapy.

Probably not a fit

Patients without a history of neoplastic disease or those with genetic diseases may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This project focuses on understanding the role of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in patients with bladder cancer, particularly those with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. By collecting blood samples, the study aims to identify specific biomarkers that can help in better stratifying patients at the time of their first tumor resection. The goal is to improve prognostic capabilities and potentially reduce the need for multiple invasive treatments and assessments, thereby enhancing patient quality of life. The study involves genetic analysis of isolated CTCs to uncover valuable insights into the disease.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more personalized treatment strategies for bladder cancer patients, improving outcomes and reducing unnecessary procedures.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using circulating tumor cells for cancer diagnostics, suggesting a potential for success in this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Diagnosis of urothelial neoplasia, naive for therapy

Exclusion Criteria:

Absence of previous neolpastic disease or genetic diseases

Where it's running

  • Urology Department
    Milan, Italy
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Massimo Alfano, PhD — IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele
  • Study coordinator: Massimo Alfano, PhD
  • Email: alfano.massimo@hsr.it
  • Phone: +39022643

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.