CTC Quantification During TURBT and PKVBT of Transitional Cell Carcinoma in Purging Fluid and Blood

Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC) Quantification During Transurethral Resection (TURBT) and Plasma Kinetic Vaporisation (PKVBT) of Transitional Cell Carcinoma in Purging Fluid and Blood: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) is usually performed in a piecemeal technique. Tumor fragmentation and cell spilling could be responsible for high recurrence rates. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have been shown to be a prognostic predictor in disease progression in transitional cell carcinoma. In the current study the investigators aim to quantify CTCs in purging fluid and blood for recurrent intermediate risk bladder cancer during surgery for two different methods: TURBT and Plasma-kinetic vaporization of bladder tumor (PKVBT). Also correlations for recurrence will be investigated for the two different surgical methods.

Study Overview

• Status: Active, not recruiting
• Conditions: Neoplasms; Urogenital Neoplasms; Transitional Cell Carcinoma; Circulating Tumor Cell; Urinary Bladder Neoplasm
• Intervention / Treatment: Device: Bipolar transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT); Device: Bipolar transurethral plasma kinetic vaporization of bladder tumor (PKVBT)

Detailed Description

Bladder cancer is the 9th most commonly diagnosed cancer in men worldwide, with a standardized incidence rate of 9.0 per 100,000 person-years for men and 2.2 per 100,000 person-years for women. Amongst any caner entity, bladder cancer is the most expensive cancer regarding follow-up and life-time treatment costs due to the high probability of recurrence. Up to 85% of patients initially present with non muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Progression to muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is up to 10-20%. NMIBC is characterized by a high risk of recurrence after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT): the 1-yr recurrence rate is 15-61% and the 5-yr recurrence rate is 31-78%. These numbers represent the heterogeneity of NMIBC.

Against any existing oncological principle, during TURBT bladder tumors are resected in a piecemeal manner. This results in tumor fragmentation and floating cancer cells inside the bladder during surgery. These cells may have the ability to re-attach on and re-implant into the bladder wall and may be responsible for early disease recurrence which is commonly seen after initial surgery. It has been shown that tumor cells may access the circulatory system through cut vessels. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can be detected in up to 20% in T1 high grade disease and are commonly seen in metastasized disease. They have shown to be an independent predictor of disease progression and relapse in several studies and reflect biological aggressiveness.

In the current study the investigators want to quantify CTCs for recurrent intermediate risk transitional cell carcinoma in purging fluid and blood for two different surgical methods: TURBT and Plasma-kinetic vaporisation of bladder tumors (PKVBT). Also correlations for recurrence will be investigated for the two different surgical methods.

In 2 urological centers (LKH Hall, LKH Salzburg) participants with diagnosed intermediate risk recurrent transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder will be randomly enrolled for either TURBT or PKVBT. Before surgery CTCs will be analyzed in peripheral blood and purging fluid. (preoperative CTCs blood and purging fluid, morphological aspect of CTCs in purging fluid) After resection for TURBT and vaporization for PKVBT, a tumor ground biopsy will be taken for both groups. After coagluation, CTCs will again be drawn in peripheral blood (intraoperative CTCs blood). After completion of surgery an indwelling catheter is inserted and purging fluid is again analyzed (postoperative CTCs purging fluid, morphological aspect of CTCs in purging fluid). Blood is again taken on day 2 after surgery during the morning routine to assess CTCs after surgery (postoperative CTCs blood). Patients will be dismissed on earliest day 2 after surgery after indwelling catheter removal.

Recurrence will be assessed during follow-up by cystoscopic controls (From 3 to 36 months after surgery). If recurrence is detected the study is terminated. If no recurrence is detected up to 36 months after surgery, the study is likewise terminated.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Estimated): 40
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Austria
  • Hall In Tirol, Austria, 6060
    • LKH Hall in Tirol, Department of Urology and Andrology
  • Salzburg, Austria, 5020
    • LKH Salzburg, Department of Urology and Andrology

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 18 years and older (Adult, Older Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• female and male patients
• recurrent bladder tumor
• preoperative cystoscopy
• CT or MRI scan of abdomen not older than 30 days prior to surgery without suspicion of advanced disease (MIBC, metastasis)
• max. non-invasive papillary tumor (pTa) staging in prior histology
• max. low grade grading in prior histology
• max. 5 lesions in actual cystoscopy (all < 3cm)
• exophytic tumors
• transitional cell cancer of urinary bladder
• patient able to give consent
• signed consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

• initial tumor
• flat lesion
• > 3cm
• carcinoma in situ (CIS) in prior histology or suspicious CIS-finding in actual cystoscopy
• high grade grading in prior histology
• ≥ pT1 (tumor infiltration into subepithelial connective tissue) staging in prior histology
• > 5 lesions
• different entity from transitional cell carcinoma of urinary bladder
• prior radiation
• emergency surgery
• prior indwelling catheter (extraction < 1 week prior to surgery)
• pregnancy
• orthotopic neobladder

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Active Comparator: TURBT (Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor); For patients undergoing bipolar transurethral resection, bladder tumor is resected in a piecemeal manner.	Device: Bipolar transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT); Standard resection in piecemeal technique with standard bipolar cutting loop. (Storz medical, 27040 GP1)
Active Comparator: PKVB (Plasma Kinetic Vaporization of Bladder Tumor); For patients undergoing bipolar plasma kinetic vaporization of bladder tumor, bladder tumor is vaporized.	Device: Bipolar transurethral plasma kinetic vaporization of bladder tumor (PKVBT); Vaporization of bladder tumor with standard bipolar vaporization electrode. (Storz medical, 27040 NB)

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
intraoperative CTC-number in blood [n/ml]	Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are measured in 15ml of peripheral blood which is taken during surgery. CTCs are quantified via automated immunofluorescence-microscopy. CK20+, p53+, DAPI+ and CD45- cells will be classified transitional cancer CTCs.	During surgery: after evacuation of snippets for TURBT and after full vaporization for PKVBT.
postoperative CTC-number in blood [n/ml]	Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are measured in 15ml peripheral blood which is taken after surgery. CTCs are quantified via automated immunofluorescence-microscopy. CK20+, p53+, DAPI+ and CD45- cells will be classified transitional cancer CTCs.	2nd postoperative day during morning routine.
postoperative CTC-number in purging fluid [n/ml]	Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are measured in purging fluid after the surgical intervention. After insertion of a new indwelling catheter the bladder is fully emptied and 100ml of sterile NaCl 0,9% is injected and extracted 5 times into and out of the bladder to mix CTCs. CTCs are quantified via automated immunofluorescence-microscopy. CK20+, p53+, DAPI+ and CD45- cells will be classified transitional cancer CTCs.	For both gruops (TURBT and PKVB) after insertion of indwelling catheter before finishing surgery.
postoperative CTC morphology in purging fluid	Cytological morphology of CTCs in purging fluid. CTCs will be examined for both groups and their morphological aspect (e.g. vital, non-vital, necrotic, deformed) is classified.	After insertion of indwelling catheter before finishing the surgery.
pre-to-intraoperative change of CTC-number in blood [n/ml]	The difference of the preoperative and intraoperative CTC-number in blood is calculated. Due to the intervention in both groups a difference in CTC-number is to be expected.	Preoperative CTCs will be taken right before the start of surgery. Intraoperative CTCs will be taken after evacuation of snippets for TURBT and after full vaporization for PKVBT.
pre-to-postoperative change of CTC-number in blood [n/ml]	The difference of the preoperative and postoperative CTC-number in blood is calculated. Due to the intervention in both groups a difference in CTC-number is to be expected.	Preoperative CTCs will be taken right before the start of surgery. Postoperative CTCs will be taken on day 2 after surgery during the morning routine.
intra-to-postoperative change of CTC-number in blood [n/ml]	The difference of the intraoperative and postoperative CTC-number in blood is calculated. Due to the intervention in both groups a difference in CTC-number is to be expected.	Intraoperative CTCs will be taken after evacuation of snippets for TURBT and after full vaporization for PKVBT. Postoperative CTCs will be taken on day 2 after surgery during the morning routine.
pre-to-postoperative change of CTC-number in purging fluid [n/ml]	The difference of the preoperative and postoperative CTC-number in purging fluid is calculated. Due to the intervention in both groups a difference in CTC-number is to be expected.	Preoperative CTCs in purging fluid are taken via an indwelling catheter right before start of the surgery. Postoperative CTCs in purging fluid are taken after insertion of a new indwelling catheter before finishing the surgery.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Tumor recurrence [yes/no]	Tumor recurrence is evaluated between 3 months and 36 months after surgery with follow-up cystoscopy.	According to follow up cystoscopy at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36 months after intervention.
Time to recurrence [days]	The time difference from date of surgery to date of cystoscopic detection of recurrence. Including analysis of influencing factors.	Through study completion, recurrence can occur within a maximum follow up of 36 months.
preoperative CTC-number in purging fluid [n/ml]	Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are measured in purging fluid before the surgical intervention. After insertion of an indwelling catheter the bladder is fully emptied and 100ml of sterile NaCl 0,9% is injected and extracted 5 times into and out of the bladder to mix CTCs. CTCs are quantified via automated immunofluorescence-microscopy. CK20+, p53+, DAPI+ and CD45- cells will be classified transitional cancer CTCs.	Right before surgery.
preoperative CTC-number in blood [n/ml]	Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are measured in 15ml peripheral blood which is taken right before surgery. CTCs are quantified via automated immunofluorescence-microscopy. CK20+, p53+, DAPI+ and CD45- cells will be classified transitional cancer CTCs.	Right before start of surgery.
preoperative CTC morphology in purging fluid	Cytological morphology of CTCs in purging fluid. CTCs will be examined for both groups and their morphological aspect (e.g. vital, non-vital, necrotic, deformed) is classified.	Right before start of surgery.

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: University Teaching Hospital Hall in Tirol
• Collaborators: Salzburger Landeskliniken
• Investigators: Study Chair: Udo Nagele, MD, Prof., Head of Department LKH Hall in Tirol; Study Chair: Lukas Lusuardi, MD, Prof., Heas of Department LKH Salzburg

Publications and helpful links

General Publications

• Babjuk M, Bohle A, Burger M, Capoun O, Cohen D, Comperat EM, Hernandez V, Kaasinen E, Palou J, Roupret M, van Rhijn BWG, Shariat SF, Soukup V, Sylvester RJ, Zigeuner R. EAU Guidelines on Non-Muscle-invasive Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder: Update 2016. Eur Urol. 2017 Mar;71(3):447-461. doi: 10.1016/j.eururo.2016.05.041. Epub 2016 Jun 17.
• Burger M, Catto JW, Dalbagni G, Grossman HB, Herr H, Karakiewicz P, Kassouf W, Kiemeney LA, La Vecchia C, Shariat S, Lotan Y. Epidemiology and risk factors of urothelial bladder cancer. Eur Urol. 2013 Feb;63(2):234-41. doi: 10.1016/j.eururo.2012.07.033. Epub 2012 Jul 25.
• Sylvester RJ, van der Meijden AP, Oosterlinck W, Witjes JA, Bouffioux C, Denis L, Newling DW, Kurth K. Predicting recurrence and progression in individual patients with stage Ta T1 bladder cancer using EORTC risk tables: a combined analysis of 2596 patients from seven EORTC trials. Eur Urol. 2006 Mar;49(3):466-5; discussion 475-7. doi: 10.1016/j.eururo.2005.12.031. Epub 2006 Jan 17.
• Sievert KD, Amend B, Nagele U, Schilling D, Bedke J, Horstmann M, Hennenlotter J, Kruck S, Stenzl A. Economic aspects of bladder cancer: what are the benefits and costs? World J Urol. 2009 Jun;27(3):295-300. doi: 10.1007/s00345-009-0395-z. Epub 2009 Mar 7.
• Comperat E, Larre S, Roupret M, Neuzillet Y, Pignot G, Quintens H, Houede N, Roy C, Durand X, Varinot J, Vordos D, Rouanne M, Bakhri MA, Bertrand P, Jeglinschi SC, Cussenot O, Soulie M, Pfister C. Clinicopathological characteristics of urothelial bladder cancer in patients less than 40 years old. Virchows Arch. 2015 May;466(5):589-94. doi: 10.1007/s00428-015-1739-2. Epub 2015 Feb 20.
• Wilby D, Thomas K, Ray E, Chappell B, O'Brien T. Bladder cancer: new TUR techniques. World J Urol. 2009 Jun;27(3):309-12. doi: 10.1007/s00345-009-0398-9. Epub 2009 Mar 4.
• Rink M, Schwarzenbach H, Vetterlein MW, Riethdorf S, Soave A. The current role of circulating biomarkers in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Transl Androl Urol. 2019 Feb;8(1):61-75. doi: 10.21037/tau.2018.11.05.
• Engilbertsson H, Aaltonen KE, Bjornsson S, Kristmundsson T, Patschan O, Ryden L, Gudjonsson S. Transurethral bladder tumor resection can cause seeding of cancer cells into the bloodstream. J Urol. 2015 Jan;193(1):53-7. doi: 10.1016/j.juro.2014.06.083. Epub 2014 Jul 1.
• Zare R, Grabe M, Hermann GG, Malmstrom PU. Can routine outpatient follow-up of patients with bladder cancer be improved? A multicenter prospective observational assessment of blue light flexible cystoscopy and fulguration. Res Rep Urol. 2018 Oct 9;10:151-157. doi: 10.2147/RRU.S141314. eCollection 2018.
• Donat SM, North A, Dalbagni G, Herr HW. Efficacy of office fulguration for recurrent low grade papillary bladder tumors less than 0.5 cm. J Urol. 2004 Feb;171(2 Pt 1):636-9. doi: 10.1097/01.ju.0000103100.22951.5e.
• Gazzaniga P, de Berardinis E, Raimondi C, Gradilone A, Busetto GM, De Falco E, Nicolazzo C, Giovannone R, Gentile V, Cortesi E, Pantel K. Circulating tumor cells detection has independent prognostic impact in high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Int J Cancer. 2014 Oct 15;135(8):1978-82. doi: 10.1002/ijc.28830. Epub 2014 Mar 13.

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): March 14, 2021
• Primary Completion (Estimated): May 31, 2025
• Study Completion (Estimated): October 1, 2025

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: March 16, 2021
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: March 19, 2021
• First Posted (Actual): March 23, 2021

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): December 9, 2024
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: December 4, 2024
• Last Verified: December 1, 2024

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Bladder cancer; NMIBC; Transurethral resection; Circulating tumor cell; TURBT; CTC; Plasma kinetic vaporization; PKVB
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Urogenital Diseases; Pathologic Processes; Neoplasms by Site; Male Urogenital Diseases; Urologic Diseases; Female Urogenital Diseases; Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications; Neoplasms by Histologic Type; Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial; Neoplastic Processes; Urologic Neoplasms; Urinary Bladder Diseases; Neoplasm Metastasis; Neoplasms; Carcinoma; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Transitional Cell; Urogenital Neoplasms; Neoplastic Cells, Circulating
• Other Study ID Numbers: 1 (Other Identifier: Mobile Health and Wellness Program)

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