Evaluating the use of 18F-FDG-PET-CT for bladder cancer treatment decisions

Evaluating the Impact of 18F-FDG-PET-CT on Risk Stratification and Treatment Adaptation for Patients with Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (EFFORT-MIBC): a Phase II Prospective Trial

PHASE2 · University Hospital, Ghent · NCT04724928

This study is testing whether special imaging can help doctors make better treatment decisions for patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment156 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Ghent (other)
Drugs / interventionsimmunotherapy
Locations1 site (Ghent)
Trial IDNCT04724928 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates how 18F-FDG-PET-CT imaging can improve the staging and treatment adaptation for patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Patients will undergo two 18F-FDG-PET-CT scans to determine if they have non-metastatic, oligometastatic, or polymetastatic disease. Based on these results, treatment plans will be tailored to enhance overall survival, utilizing metastasis directed therapy or immunotherapy as appropriate. The study aims to refine risk stratification and optimize therapeutic approaches for this patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 with histopathology-proven MIBC who are willing to undergo 18F-FDG-PET-CT and appropriate treatment adaptations.

Not a fit: Patients with confirmed distant metastasis on conventional imaging or those who refuse the necessary imaging or treatment options may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more personalized and effective treatment strategies for patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results using advanced imaging techniques for cancer staging and treatment adaptation, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Histopathology-proven MIBC on TURb or ≥ T3 on conventional imaging treated with MIBC radical treatment
* T1-4 N0-3 M0 MIBC on conventional imaging (thoracic CT and abdominopelvic CT/ MRI)
* Age \> 18 years
* WHO 0-2
* Willingness to undergo 18F-FDG-PET-CT
* Willingness to undergo MDT or immunotherapy, in case of diagnosis of oligometastatic or polymetastatic disease on 18F-FDG-PET-CT, respectively
* Willingness and ability to provide a signed informed consent according to ICH/GCP and national/local regulations

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of distant metastasis on conventional imaging (thoracic CT and abdominopelvic CT/ MRI)
* Refusal of or having contraindications to 18F-FDG-PET-CT
* Refusal of MDT or immunotherapy
* Prior radiotherapy unabling MDT
* Contraindications to radiotherapy (including active inflammatory bowel disease)
* Contraindications to immunotherapy
* Other primary tumor diagnosed \< 5 years ago and for which treatment is still required, except for diagnosis of non-metastatic prostate cancer at time of diagnosis of MIBC or non-melanoma skin cancer.

Where this trial is running

Ghent

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Muscle-Invasive Bladder Carcinoma, 18F-FDG-PET-CT, Staging, Distand metastasis, Oligometastatic disease, Metastasis directed therapy, Immunotherapy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.