Using gold markers and advanced MRI to improve bladder cancer treatment

Bladder Fiducial Markers and Multiparametric-MRI (Mp-MRI) to Optimize Bladder Chemo-radiotherapy

NA · Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NCT04442724

This study is testing if tiny gold markers and a new type of MRI can help doctors better target and treat bladder cancer while preserving the bladder.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCedars-Sinai Medical Center (other)
Drugs / interventionsimmunotherapy, Radiation
Locations3 sites (Los Angeles, California and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04442724 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the use of small 24-K gold fiducial markers implanted around bladder tumors to help radiation oncologists accurately target the tumor during treatment. It also evaluates a new multiparametric MRI (mp-MRI) technology for earlier and more precise detection of bladder cancer that may not be visible through traditional methods. Patients with localized muscle-invasive bladder cancer who choose bladder preservation with tri-modal therapy will be enrolled. The study aims to enhance the effectiveness of bladder-sparing treatments and assess the accuracy of mp-MRI imaging in detecting bladder cancer.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with localized muscle-invasive bladder cancer who are electing for bladder preservation and are eligible for chemoradiation.

Not a fit: Patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer or those not planning to undergo chemoradiation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective and targeted treatment for bladder cancer, potentially improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using fiducial markers and advanced imaging techniques for cancer treatment, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Pathologically (histologically or cytologically) proven diagnosis of primary urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. Subjects with mixed histology are required to have a dominant traditional cell carcinoma (TCC) pattern.
* Clinical stage T2-T4a, Nx, M0 considered appropriate for, and electing to receive, chemoradiation of the bladder
* Planned TURBT as part of the normal course treatment, to take place prior to the initiation of chemo irradiation
* Adequate renal function: Serum creatinine \< 2 mg/dL OR calculated creatinine clearance (CrCl) \> 30ml/min
* Ability to understand and willingness to sign a written informed consent
* Women of child-bearing potential and men must agree to use adequate contraception prior to study entry, during study participation, and for 90 days after study treatment discontinuation

  * Should a woman become pregnant or suspect she is pregnant while she or her partner is participating in this study, she should inform her treating physician immediately

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subjects with primary TCC of the ureter, urethra, or renal pelvis, without TCC of the bladder, are not allowed
* Known distant metastatic disease (e.g. pulmonary or hepatic metastases)

  * Subjects with malignant lymphadenopathy in the abdomen or pelvis considered appropriate for radical cystectomy and lymphadenectomy with the goal of complete resection of all malignant disease are allowed
* Patients with bladder abnormalities that preclude safe placement of fiducial markers (i.e. abundant large diverticuli or cellules, active or recurrent urinary infection)
* Planned (or prior history of) definitive bladder irradiation
* Intravesical chemo- or biologic therapy within 6 weeks of first treatment
* Any planned neoadjuvant systemic immunotherapy. Note that prior bacille Calmette-Guerin vaccine (BCG) is not an exclusion
* Clinically significant active infection or uncontrolled medical condition that would preclude participation in study
* Pregnant or nursing women are excluded
* Previous malignancy other than TCC that, in the opinion of the treating investigator, is likely to interfere with protocol treatment
* Individuals with severe renal failure and cannot receive MRI contrast

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California and 2 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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Bladder Cancer, Urinary Bladder Neoplasm, Urologic Neoplasms, Neoplasms, Urinary Bladder Diseases, Fiducial marker, Fiducial marker guided technique

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.