Sniffer dogs detecting bladder (urothelial) cancer from urine
Olfactive Detection of Urothelial Carcinoma by Sniffer Dogs
This study will test whether trained sniffer dogs can detect bladder cancer by smelling urine from adults scheduled for cystoscopy or other endourological procedures.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 340 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Strasbourg, France Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Colmar and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07334314 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study collects urine samples from adults scheduled for cystoscopy or related endourological procedures and presents anonymized samples to assistance dogs trained to detect cancer by smell. The primary aim is to estimate the sensitivity of canine olfactory detection for urothelial carcinoma compared with routine diagnostic findings from cystoscopy and pathology. Eligible participants are adults who will provide a urine sample as part of routine care; pregnant or breastfeeding women and those with recent other active cancers are excluded. No experimental treatments are given to patients — only urine samples are used for the canine detection testing.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults (over 18) scheduled for an initial cystoscopy or another endourological procedure who will have a routine urine sample taken in the month before the procedure.
Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, under guardianship, with recent other active cancers, or who cannot provide a routine urine sample (or who are not treated at the participating hospitals) are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a noninvasive, low-cost way to help flag patients who may need faster diagnostic follow-up for bladder cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Prior small studies have shown that trained dogs can detect various cancers, including some promising results for bladder cancer in urine, but the evidence is limited and not yet definitive.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult (\> 18 years old) * Subject scheduled for any endourological surgery involving an initial cystoscopy, the most common of which are: transurethral resection of the bladder, transurethral resection of the prostate, internal optical urethrotomy, bladder lithoclast, ureteral stent replacement, ureteroscopy, etc. (non-exhaustive list) * Subjects for whom a urine sample (for bacteriological or cytological testing) is planned as part of routine practice in the month prior to the procedure * Subjects affiliated with a health insurance plan or beneficiaries of such a plan Exclusion Criteria: * Absence of signed informed consent / inability to provide the subject with informed information (emergency situations, difficulties in understanding the subject, etc.) * Patient under guardianship, conservatorship, or judicial protection * History of cancer other than urothelial bladder carcinoma, unless in complete remission for \> 5 years * Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Where this trial is running
Colmar and 1 other locations
- Hôpitaux Civils de Colmar — Colmar, France (Recruiting)
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg — Strasbourg, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Victor GAILLARD
- Email: victor.gaillard@chru-strasbourg.fr
- Phone: +33 3 69 55 10 55
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.