Paclitaxel-coated versus standard dilatation balloon for recurrent urethral stricture

Risk of Recurrent Urethral Stricture After Treatment With Paclitaxel-Coated Dilatation Balloon (Optilume) Compared With Non-coated Dilatation Balloon - a Prospective Randomised Multicentre Study

Phase 4 Interventional Vastra Gotaland Region · NCT06795074

This trial tests if a paclitaxel-coated dilatation balloon (Optilume) reduces the chance of urethral stricture coming back compared with a non-coated balloon in adults who have had previous dilations or DVIU.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment230 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorVastra Gotaland Region Government
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations4 sites (Gothenburg and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06795074 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a phase 4, randomized comparison of a paclitaxel-coated dilatation balloon (Optilume) versus a non-coated dilatation balloon (UroMax Ultra) for adults with recurrent penile or bulbar urethral strictures up to 2 cm. Eligible participants have had at least one prior internal urethrotomy or dilation and are candidates for open urethroplasty; key exclusions include complete strictures without a lumen, prior pelvic radiation, prior paclitaxel balloon dilation, and prior open urethroplasty. The trial is conducted at multiple university hospitals in Sweden and measures the risk of stricture recurrence after treatment with either device. Follow-up visits are required to monitor for recurrence and complications.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older with a recurrent penile or bulbar urethral stricture ≤2 cm after at least one internal urethrotomy or dilation who are eligible for urethroplasty.

Not a fit: Patients with complete strictures without any lumen, meatal strictures, multiple small-caliber strictures, prior paclitaxel-coated balloon treatment, prior pelvic radiation, prior pelvic fracture, urethral malignancy, fistula, condyloma, previous open urethroplasty, or chronic urinary retention from detrusor inactivity are unlikely to benefit from the balloon treatment in this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could lower recurrence rates and help patients avoid or delay open urethroplasty.

How similar studies have performed: Paclitaxel-coated urethral balloons like Optilume have CE marking and prior industry-sponsored randomized trials (for example ROBUST III) have shown promising results, though independent long-term evidence is still limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years
* Urethral stricture recurrence after at least one internal urethrotomy or dilatation
* Penile or bulbar stricture
* Length of stricture ≤ 2 cm
* Eligible for open urethroplasty
* Able to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Stricture of the meatus
* Sclerosis of the bladder neck
* Multiple strictures \< 16 Ch
* Complete stricture without any lumen
* Previous dilatation with paclitaxel-coated balloon
* Previous radiation therapy of the pelvis (e.g. for prostate cancer)
* Previous pelvic fracture
* Urethral malignancy
* Presence of urethral fistula
* Presence of urethral condyloma
* Previous open urethroplasty
* Chronic urinary retention secondary to detrusor inactivity

Where this trial is running

Gothenburg and 3 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 Urethral Stricturedrug-coated dilatation balloon
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.