Comparing full and empty bladder protocols for pelvic radiation therapy

BladdEr Full OR Empty for Pelvic Radiation Therapy

Phase 3 Interventional University of California, San Diego · NCT06651697

This study is testing whether having a full or empty bladder during pelvic radiation therapy helps deliver the right dose of radiation and reduces side effects for patients with certain cancers.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, San Diego Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (San Diego, California)
Trial IDNCT06651697 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of using either a full or empty bladder during radiation therapy for patients with genitourinary, gynecological, and gastrointestinal malignancies of the pelvis. It aims to determine if bladder volume at the time of treatment affects the accuracy of radiation dose delivery and minimizes toxicity to surrounding tissues. Participants will undergo CT simulations to optimize radiation delivery, and their bladder status will be monitored throughout the treatment process. The study seeks to address the challenges associated with maintaining a full bladder during radiation therapy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are eligible for curative intent radiation therapy for pelvic malignancies.

Not a fit: Patients with tumors invading the bladder or those with contraindications to radiotherapy will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved radiation therapy protocols that enhance treatment efficacy while reducing side effects for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous non-randomized studies have shown promising results for bladder empty protocols, suggesting potential benefits in this area.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Provision of signed and dated informed consent form
* Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study
* Persons, aged at least 18 years
* Deemed eligible to undergo curative intent radiation therapy for primary GU, GI, or Gyn malignancy of the pelvis.
* For participants able to become pregnant: use of highly effective contraception for at least 1 month prior to screening and agreement to use such a method during study participation
* For participants able to cause a pregnancy: use of condoms or other methods to ensure effective contraception with partner

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy
* Tumor invading the bladder, as judged by the enrolling physician based on available clinical information
* Contraindications to radiotherapy, including Crohn's disease and active connective tissue disorders such as scleroderma or uncontrolled lupus
* Prior radiation therapy to an area requiring treatment in the present study

Where this trial is running

San Diego, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Pelvic Neoplasmmalignancy of the pelvisbladderradiation therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.