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Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up Men only

Tractography-Guided Nerve-Sparing in Prostate Cancer

Official title: PRO-TRACT: Prostate Tractography for Optimized Nerve-Sparing - A Pilot Study

Run by University Hospital, Geneva · NCT07847385 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A nerve-sparing approach during prostate cancer surgery uses 3D nerve maps created from diffusion tensor imaging to guide the surgeon and see if preservation of nerves improves function.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexMen only
Enrollment23 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Geneva
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Geneva, Canton of Geneva)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 1, 2026
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2027
Study endsApril 1, 2028
Registry record updatedSeptember 29, 2026
Trial IDNCT07847385 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Men with histologically confirmed prostate cancer who are planned for radical prostatectomy and have no prior prostate cancer treatment.

Probably not a fit

Patients with pre-existing severe sexual dysfunction or contraindications to MRI may not benefit from this approach.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study uses diffusion tensor MRI to map periprostatic nerves before and after radical prostatectomy, creating a personalized 3D model with tractography. The model is overlaid onto the surgical view to help preserve neurovascular bundles during robot-assisted prostatectomy. Imaging is performed preoperatively and six months postoperatively to assess nerve integrity and functional outcomes. The goal is to determine whether this imaging-guided approach can better protect erectile function and continence without compromising cancer control.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience better preservation of erectile function and urinary continence after prostatectomy.

How similar studies have gone: Previous nerve-sparing efforts rely on intraoperative judgment; this study introduces preoperative diffusion tensor imaging and intraoperative guidance, representing a relatively novel approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* Histological confirmed diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) based on prostate biopsy
* Multidisciplinary indication for radical prostatectomy, validated by the Urology Tumor Board
* No prior treatment of prostate cancer
* Capacity to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unwillingness to participate.
* Pre-existing impaired sexual function before surgery (IIEF5 Score of ≤21)
* Diagnosis of neuropathy
* Inability to comply with study procedure (e.g. due to language barriers, psychological disorders, dementia, anxiety/claustrophobia during pelvic MRI etc.) or medical contraindications to MRI

Where it's running

  • Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève - Dept de Chirurgie - Service d'Urologie
    Geneva, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland     Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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Prostate Cancer 1464Erectile Dysfunction Following Radical Prostatectomy 11Urinary Incontinence Following Surgical Procedure 2University Hospital, Geneva 70
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.