Improving tumor detection before bladder cancer surgery

Increasing Pre-Surgical Identification of Muscle Invasive Tumor Evaluations Prior to Planned Cystectomy

Observational Fox Chase Cancer Center · NCT06396533

This study is testing a new combination of tests to see if they can accurately find leftover tumors in bladder cancer patients before they have surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment92 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorFox Chase Cancer Center Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation, chemotherapy
Locations2 sites (Omaha, Nebraska and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06396533 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the effectiveness of a combined diagnostic panel that includes systematic endoscopic evaluation, a blood-based ctDNA assay, and a urine-based cfDNA assay to predict the presence of residual tumors in patients scheduled for cystectomy due to bladder cancer. The primary goal is to determine the negative predictive value of these tests in patients with no muscle invasive tumors prior to surgery. Eligible patients include those with high-grade non-muscle invasive or muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma who are considering cystectomy. Samples will be collected before and after the procedure to correlate diagnostic findings with final pathology results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with high-grade T1 or muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma who are planning to undergo cystectomy.

Not a fit: Patients with low-grade tumors or those who are not candidates for cystectomy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more accurate pre-surgical assessments and better treatment outcomes for bladder cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using ctDNA and cfDNA assays for tumor detection, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Properly counselled patients with high grade T1 disease who elect for cystectomy
2. Properly counselled patients with non-muscle invasive high grade Ta urothelial carcinoma or carcinoma in situ who are unresponsive to intravesical therapy and have elected cystectomy
3. cT2-T3 muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma for planned cystectomy
4. Patient who have received prior intravesical therapy or multiple TURBTs can be enrolled (data regarding number of previous TURBTs and type of intravesical therapy will be collected).
5. Male or female patients age \>=18 years at the time of consent.
6. Able and willing to comply with study requirements.
7. Patients must have a non-contrast phase component for CT scans of chest/abdomen/pelvis either pre-existing (prior to accrual) or obtained during the screening process.
8. Patients who undergo neoadjuvant systemic therapy for muscle invasive disease must be enrolled before starting systemic therapy.
9. Ability to understand and willingness to sign a written informed consent and HIPAA authorization document.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who undergo cystectomy with non-curative intent will be excluded.
2. Patients who have undergone previous definitive pelvic radiation for the purpose of treating bladder malignancy.
3. Patients who are pregnant or nursing.

Where this trial is running

Omaha, Nebraska and 1 other locations

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 Urothelial CarcinomaMuscle Invasive Bladder Urothelial CarcinomaNon-Muscle Invasive Bladder Urothelial Carcinomacystectomy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.