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Photodynamic Diagnosis of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Using Fluorescence Endoscopy and Oral 5-ALA

Phase 2
Not yet recruiting
Conditions
Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma
Interventions
Drug: 5-Aminolevulinic acid Hydrochloride (Gliolan®)
Registration Number
NCT06948552
Lead Sponsor
Henry Ford Health System
Brief Summary

This study is evaluating whether a medication called 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), approved by the FDA for use in brain surgery, can help improve the visibility of upper tract urothelial tumors during surgery. Patients undergoing ureteroscopic tumor resection will receive 5-ALA prior to surgery, and surgeons will use special blue light to help identify abnormal tissue that might not be seen under standard white light. The goal is to assess whether this technique can enhance tumor detection and removal.

Detailed Description

This is a prospective, single-arm feasibility study investigating the use of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA, Gleolan) to enhance intraoperative tumor visualization in patients undergoing ureteroscopic resection for suspected upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). 5-ALA is an FDA-approved oral agent used in glioma surgery to promote fluorescence of malignant tissue under blue light. This study will evaluate whether similar visualization can be achieved in the upper urinary tract to aid in the identification and resection of UTUC. Up to 10 participants will be enrolled. Safety, technical feasibility, and tumor detection outcomes will be measured.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
10
Inclusion Criteria
  • Patients aged 18 or older undergoing diagnostic or therapeutic ureteroscopy for a known or suspected upper tract urothelial tumor
  • Able to provide informed consent
  • Able to comply with study requirements
Exclusion Criteria
  • Known porphyria or hypersensitivity to porphyrins
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women
  • AST or ALT > 2x upper limit of normal within 30 days prior to surgery
  • Participation in another investigational study within 30 days
  • Known allergy or contraindication to 5-ALA or its components

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SINGLE_GROUP
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
5-ALA Fluorescence Imaging5-Aminolevulinic acid Hydrochloride (Gliolan®)Participants will receive a single oral dose of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA, Gleolan) 2-4 hours prior to ureteroscopic tumor resection. Blue light endoscopy will be used intraoperatively to assess tumor fluorescence and aid in visualization and resection.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Detection of tumor fluorescence using 5-ALA under blue lightDay of Surgery

Surgeons will assess whether upper tract urothelial tumors exhibit visible fluorescence under blue light following oral administration of 5-ALA (20 mg/kg). Presence or absence of fluorescence will be recorded for each lesion during ureteroscopic resection.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Incidence and severity of adverse events following 5-ALA administrationUp to 30 days post-procedure

Participants will be monitored for any adverse events following oral 5-ALA administration. Events will be assessed using CTCAE v5.0 criteria, with specific focus on known side effects such as nausea, vomiting, hypotension, and photosensitivity reactions. Lab abnormalities and any serious adverse events will also be documented.

Presence of residual tumor at follow-up ureteroscopyUp to 3 months post-procedure

For patients who undergo a second-look ureteroscopy within 3 months of initial resection, surgeons will assess for visible tumor at the prior resection sites. Findings will be used to evaluate the completeness of initial resection and the potential benefit of 5-ALA fluorescence guidance.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Henry Ford Hospital

🇺🇸

Detroit, Michigan, United States

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