Prevention and Management of Intravesical BCG-related Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

February 16, 2022 updated by: Lysanne Campeau, MDCM, PhD, FRCSC, Sir Mortimer B. Davis - Jewish General Hospital

Prevention and Management of Intravesical BCG-related Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms With Prophylactic Pentosan Polysulphate in Patients With Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Common local side effects are generally seen during induction and during the first 6 months of BCG maintenance. BCG-related cystitis is frequent and unavoidable. Furthermore, repeated BCG instillation increases the incidence and severity of irritative bladder symptoms. Several methods attempted to reduce the intensity and frequency of BCG- related lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), such as, administration of anti-tuberculosis drug isoniazid or oral antibiotic ofloxacin or by reducing the BCG dose, but without any encouraging results. Local side effects requiring cessation of treatment are seen more frequently in the first year of therapy, preventing patients from receiving their BCG maintenance regimen.

Pentosan Polysulphate (PPS), is an oral medication with unique analgesic properties used to relieve bladder pain and discomfort related to other conditions, has been investigated in a small study with encouraging result in this patient population. This suggest that PPS is well tolerated and effective at decreasing BCG-related LUTS.

The purpose of this study is first to investigate the efficacy of co-administration of Pentosan Polysulphate to prevent these adverse events and the impact of this intervention on quality of life. The second goal is to determine which patients are more vulnerable to develop BCG- related lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), based on clinical assessment, demographics data, voiding parameters, and urinary inflammatory markers, and then to assess the effectiveness of BCG therapy following co-administration of ELMIRON.

Study Overview

Detailed Description

Study purpose and rationale:

BCG-related LUTS is a condition which can have a significant negative impact on the psychological well-being, social functioning, and overall quality of life of bladder cancer patients. Clinical studies have demonstrated effects of PPS on damaged urothelium in the bladder, which is a key feature for diminishing BCG local side effects. The "dual action" protective effect on bladder epithelium and replacing the mucus in the glycosaminoglycan layer of damaged urothelium provides a scientific rationale to evaluate whether PPS treatment may be a preventive option for NMIBC patients treated with BCG.

It is therefore important to find a treatment strategy to control the BCG-related LUTS so that candidate patients do not lose the benefit of BCG treatment while maintaining its efficacy and ensuring optimal outcomes. This study will identify the patients that are more vulnerable to develop these side effects and determine the efficacy of PPS to diminish BCG- related lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and associated impact on quality of life.

Sample Size:

For the first aim, power analysis was estimated using a One-way (ANOVA) hypothesis test with a type 1 error of 5%, 80% power, and 20% dropout rate. It was calculated based on the ICIQ-LUTSqol expected values. The baseline mean ICIQ-LUTSqol score used was 33.1 and SD of 7.3, the outcome ICIQ-LUTSqol score mean used 28.48, with a SD of 4.95, which is the minimally important difference of 3.7124. The investigator calculate a number of 30 patients per group, for a total sample size of 60. (Calculated by pass program v 15.0.03)

For the second aim, a total number of 40 candidates will be recruited for this prospective study. The investigator expect a minimum of 30% of patients to experience BCG related LUTS, therefore 18 patients with LUTS The SD of ICIQ-LUTSqol is 7.3 and its maximum score is 76. Therefore, the investigator estimate a required sample size of 14 (1.96 2 SD 2 / 3.82), for a p value < 0.05, and an absolute error of 0.05.

The comparison between groups of the cohort will be conducted using chi-square analysis. A 2-sample t test will be used to compare baseline scores between study groups. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test will be used to calculate whether the mean difference of all the outcome measures between groups. A p value <0.05 considered statistically significant.

Approximately 100 subjects are expected to be enrolled for this prospective trial. It is expected that 20% of subjects will not qualify for randomization after screening. The study is expected to randomize approximately 80 subjects into the double-blind treatment where subjects will be allocated to ELMIRON 100 mg, or matched placebo TID in a 1:1 ratio. A post randomisation dropout rate of 20% has been estimated, resulting in 60 evaluable subjects. This provides an 80% power for the primary endpoint.

Study design and description This is a Phase 2, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study in patients 18 to 85 years old with NMIBC. The study will include a two weeks Screening Period; and a 6-week double-blind Treatment Period. Participants will return to the clinic for a safety Follow-up Visit 6 and 18 weeks after treatment is completed for a total study duration of 24 weeks.

All participants will enter the Screening Period during which eligibility will be assessed, where subjects must have at least 3 days of daily diary symptom collection. Participants who continue to meet eligibility criteria, including collection of diary data, Negative Urine analysis and culture, and bladder scan showing PVR less than 150ml at the end of the Screening Period will enter the Treatment Period.

Participants will be randomly assigned (1:1) to receive study drug (ELMIRON 100 mg, or placebo) TID for a duration of 6weeks.

Efficacy will be assessed by number of urgency episodes per 24 hours based on a 3-day bladder diary, the Overactive Bladder-Validated 8- Question (OAB-V8), the visual analogue scale for suprapubic and perineal pain (VAS), the ICIQ-Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Quality of Life Questionnaire (ICIQ-LUTSqol), and quantitative measures of urinary inflammatory markers levels (TRAIL, IFN, IL-2, IL-10).

Safety assessments will be conducted throughout the trial and will include physical examinations, vital signs, clinical laboratory evaluations, cystoscopy, urine cytology, and adverse events (AEs).

Study conduct:

AIM 1: Determine the effectiveness of co-administration of Pentosan Polysulphate in preventing BCG-related LUTS.

Rationale: The investigator aim to compare the effect of PPS (ELMIRON) to placebo on the incidence and severity of local adverse effects of BCG intravesical therapy and its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with superficial bladder cancer. As the currently used symptomatic treatment drugs failed to prove optimal efficacy, new treatment options are warranted. PPS could be a promising drug especially when considering its effectiveness in controlling LUTS related to similar pathologies.

The first aim will be a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled pilot study, A total of 60 subjects will be assessed and included in the study after obtaining their consent and fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Within 14 days after TURBT, patients will undergo baseline evaluation and will be randomized into two groups as the following:

  • Group A will receive PPS 100 mg (ELMIRON) thrice daily PO. (30 subjects)
  • Group B will receive placebo thrice daily PO. (30 subjects) Treatment period for all groups will be 6 weeks as co-administration with BCG instillation.

AIM 2: Identify predisposing factors to developing BCG-related LUTS based on clinical, demographic and voiding parameters The second aim will involve an in-depth pre-treatment analysis of clinical parameters of patients planned for BCG instillation and correlation with the development of BCG local side effects. Prior to receiving BCG induction, patients will be evaluated for baseline demographics, voiding diary, non-invasive uroflowmetry with post-void residual, LUTS and quality of life questionnaires (OAB-V8, ICIQ-LUTSqol, and VAS). Objective outcomes assessment using quantitative measures of TRAIL, IFN, IL-2, and IL-10 levels in the urine before and following BCG induction treatment will be quantitated using a sandwich ELISA and correlated with the severity of LUTS. This prospective cohort will be followed 3 months after completing the induction phase by repeating the clinical assessment described and identify their oncological response to the treatment by urine cytology/cystoscopy.

Confidentiality:

All study outcomes and documents will be considered as confidential. The Investigator and members of his/her research team must not disclose such information without prior written authorization. The anonymity of participating patients must be maintained. Subjects will be identified on CRFs and other documents by their subject number/code, not by name. Documents that identify the subject (eg, the signed informed consent) must be retained in confidence by the Investigator. All data will remain confidential and will be available for access by the investigators only. A unique identifier to keep their identity confidential will identify the participant. The information will be kept for duration of 10 years.

Statement on ethical consideration:

The proposed study protocol ensures that the Sponsor and Investigator adhere to the principles of the GCP guidelines of the ICH, and of the recent version of the Declaration of Helsinki. The study also will be following with local ethics requirements.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Actual)

3

Phase

  • Phase 2

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

    • Quebec
      • Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3T 1E2
        • Jewish General Hospital

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

16 years to 83 years (Adult, Older Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Genders Eligible for Study

All

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

Adult patients aged 18 to 85 will be eligible for inclusion in this study if all of the following criteria apply:

  1. Willing to provide written informed consent
  2. Confirmed diagnosis (biopsy-proven) of intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC
  3. Two to four weeks following complete tumor resection
  4. Candidate for BCG induction therapy based on CUA clinical guidelines
  5. Subjects must not be pregnant, lactating, or actively trying to become pregnant, Subjects who are premenopausal and of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test at Screening (serum) and at Day 0 (urine) and must use a medically acceptable and effective method of birth control for the duration of the study, which can include:

    1. Having a male partner who is sterile prior to the female subject's entry into the study and is the sole sexual partner for that female subject
    2. Use of double-barrier methods of contraception; condoms with the use of caps (with spermicide) and intra-uterine devices are acceptable
    3. Use of hormonal contraceptives (oral, depots, patches, etc.) with double-barrier methods of contraception as outline above
    4. True abstinence: When this is in line with the preferred and usual lifestyle of the subject (period abstinence [eg, calendar, ovulation, symptothermal, post-ovulation methods] and withdrawal are not acceptable methods of contraception)

Exclusion Criteria:

  1. Contraindications to BCG therapy
  2. Solitary tumors except pT1 high grade
  3. Tumor stage ≥ T2
  4. Previous BCG or chemotherapy instillation
  5. Carcinoma in situ and variant histology of urothelial carcinoma
  6. Subjects with concurrent (at Screening), urinary tract infections (positive dipstick for urinary tract infection and abnormal microscopic evaluation, signs and symptoms)
  7. Unevaluated urinary retention, Post void residual (PVR) urine volume > 150 ml
  8. Diagnosis of dementia
  9. Any concurrent condition or any clinically significant abnormality on the screening physical examination, laboratory tests, which, in the opinion of the Investigator, may affect the interpretation of efficacy or safety data, or which otherwise contraindicates participation in a clinical study with PPS.

    1. Hypersensitivity to PPS or any of its ingredients
    2. History of clinically significant drug hypersensitivity.
    3. Clinically significant or unstable, endocrine, hepatic, renal, immunologic, or heart disease
    4. Patients at increased hemorrhagic risk due to unstable disease course (ulcerative GI lesions, aneurysms, internal or external hemorrhoids, thrombocytopenia, hemophilia, polyps or diverticulae).
  10. Use of any pharmacologic agent used to treat symptoms of LUTS
  11. Participation in a clinical study within the month prior to screening, or exposure to an investigational drug which has not washed out since the last administration prior to screening
  12. In the opinion of the Investigator, is at risk of non-compliance with study procedures, or cannot read, understand, or complete study-related materials, particularly informed consent
  13. Participation in any clinical study of an investigational drug that may affect urinary function within 1 months prior to screening
  14. Severe renal impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate < 30 mL/min/1.73m2)
  15. Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B or greater)
  16. You are pregnant or breastfeeding

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Prevention
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Quadruple

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Pentosan Polysulfate Na 100Mg Cap
Drug intervention of Pentosan Polysulfate Na 100Mg Cap (ELMIRON) thrice daily PO for 6 weeks, after meeting the eligibility criteria during the the two-week Screening period.

Participants will be randomly assigned to receive Pentosan Polysulfate Na 100Mg Cap TID for 6 weeks.

For blinded distribution, each bottle of medications will be labeled with a random number for identification.

The study participants will be monitored every 2 weeks with phone calls from the study team to evaluate their condition and decide if the medication is tolerated and whether it should be continued or stopped.

Other Names:
  • ELMIRON
Placebo Comparator: Placebo oral capsule
Participants will receive Placebo oral capsule, similar to (ELMIRON 100mg) thrice daily PO for 6 weeks, , after meeting the eligibility criteria during the the two-week Screening period.

Participants will be randomly assigned to receive Placebo oral capsule TID for 6 weeks.

For blinded distribution, each bottle of medications will be labeled with a random number for identification.

The study participants will be monitored every 2 weeks with phone calls from the study team to evaluate their condition and decide if the medication is tolerated and whether it should be continued or stopped.

Other Names:
  • Sugar pill

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Determine the efficacy (Urgency episodes assessed by bladder diary) a of co-administration of Pentosan Polysulphate in preventing BCG-related LUTS in adult subjects with a diagnosis of NMIBC.
Time Frame: Start of treatment to End of treatment (6weeks)

Primary outcome assessment (change from baseline to end of treatment):

-Mean change in number of urgency episodes per 24 hours based on a 3-day bladder diary

Start of treatment to End of treatment (6weeks)
Determine the efficacy (Urgency episodes assessed by ICIQ-LUTSqol questionnaire) a of co-administration of Pentosan Polysulphate in preventing BCG-related LUTS in adult subjects with a diagnosis of NMIBC.
Time Frame: Start of treatment to End of treatment (6weeks)

Primary outcome assessment (change from baseline to end of treatment):

-Mean change in ICIQ-LUTSqol questionnaire score

Start of treatment to End of treatment (6weeks)
Determine the efficacy (Urgency episodes assessed by OAB-V8 questionnaire) a of co-administration of Pentosan Polysulphate in preventing BCG-related LUTS in adult subjects with a diagnosis of NMIBC.
Time Frame: Start of treatment to End of treatment (6weeks)

Primary outcome assessment (change from baseline to end of treatment):

-Mean change in OAB-V8 questionnaire score

Start of treatment to End of treatment (6weeks)
Determine the safety (Adverse events or reactions as assessed by CTCAE v5.0) of co-administration of Pentosan Polysulphate in preventing BCG-related LUTS in adult subjects with a diagnosis of NMIBC.
Time Frame: Start of treatment to End of treatment (6weeks)

Safety: (Number of participants with treatment-related adverse events as assessed by CTCAE v5.0)

-Number of participants with treatment-related adverse events as assessed by CTCAE v5.0 at the End of treatment Visit (week 6)

Start of treatment to End of treatment (6weeks)

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Efficacy of BCG therapy (cancer recurrence and progression assessed by cystoscopy) following co-administration of Pentosan Polysulphate
Time Frame: 12 weeks and 24 weeks
All patients will be also evaluated at 12 and 24 weeks by cystoscopy to evaluate the impact of this intervention on the efficacy of BCG therapy as well as to check for cancer recurrence and progression as routine standard of care
12 weeks and 24 weeks
Efficacy of BCG therapy (cancer recurrence and progression assessed by urine cytology) following co-administration of Pentosan Polysulphate
Time Frame: 12 weeks and 24 weeks
All patients will be also evaluated at 12 and 24 weeks by urine cytology to evaluate the impact of this intervention on the efficacy of BCG therapy as well as to check for cancer recurrence and progression as routine standard of care
12 weeks and 24 weeks
Predisposing factors to developing BCG-related LUTS involving secondary analysis of patient's characteristics pre- and post-treatment
Time Frame: Start of treatment to End of treatment (6weeks)
This will involve an in-depth pre-treatment analysis of clinical parameters of patients planned for BCG instillation and correlation with the development of BCG local side effects
Start of treatment to End of treatment (6weeks)
Predisposing factors to developing BCG-related LUTS evaluated by ELISA quantitative measures of urinary inflammatory markers before and after BCG therapy
Time Frame: Start of treatment to End of treatment (6weeks)
Objective outcomes assessment using quantitative measures of TRAIL, IFN, IL-2, and IL-10 levels in the urine before and following BCG induction treatment will be quantitated using a sandwich ELISA and correlated with the severity of LUTS
Start of treatment to End of treatment (6weeks)
Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) assessed by ICIQ-LUTSqol questionnaire
Time Frame: Baseline, 6weeks , 12 weeks and 24 weeks
Assess the impact of this intervention on Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in bladder cancer patients using quality of life questionnaire ICIQ-LUTSqol
Baseline, 6weeks , 12 weeks and 24 weeks
Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) assessed by VAS questionnaire
Time Frame: Baseline, 6weeks , 12 weeks and 24 weeks
Assess the impact of this intervention on Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in bladder cancer patients using quality of life questionnaire VAS
Baseline, 6weeks , 12 weeks and 24 weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Collaborators

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Lysanne Campeau, MD, PhD, SirMortimer JGH

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

General Publications

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

May 3, 2019

Primary Completion (Actual)

February 15, 2022

Study Completion (Actual)

February 15, 2022

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

April 23, 2018

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

May 25, 2018

First Posted (Actual)

June 8, 2018

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

March 4, 2022

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

February 16, 2022

Last Verified

February 1, 2022

More Information

Terms related to this study

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

No

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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