Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Interest of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Upper Urinary Tract Invasive Tumours

This study aims to find out if a special type of MRI scan can accurately detect aggressive cancers in the tubes that carry urine, known as the upper urinary tract. These cancers can be difficult to diagnose properly, and current methods often involve X-rays with dyes or small operations, which have their own drawbacks. If an aggressive cancer is found early, patients might be able to get important treatment before surgery, potentially improving their outlook. Researchers will compare MRI scan results with samples taken from tumours to see how well the MRI identifies aggressive cancer. The goal is to offer a safer, more accurate way to diagnose these cancers, helping doctors make better treatment plans for patients.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Toulouse

Enrolment target

178

Start

01 Dec 2025

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2027

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)Urologic Cancer

What is this study about?

This study is investigating a new way to diagnose certain cancers that can grow in the tubes above your bladder that carry urine from your kidneys. These specific cancers are called upper urinary tract tumours. Currently, doctors often use special X-rays with a dye (called a CT scan) or take small samples during an operation to diagnose these cancers. However, these methods don't always give a full picture of how aggressive the cancer is, which can make it harder to plan the best treatment.

Some of these cancers can be quite aggressive, meaning they can spread quickly. If doctors can identify these aggressive cancers early, patients might be able to receive important treatments, like chemotherapy, *before* they have surgery. This could potentially make the surgery more successful and improve the patient's long-term health.

This study hopes to use advanced MRI scans to get a clearer view of these tumours. MRI scans are already good at showing details of other parts of the body, and researchers believe they could be much better at telling the difference between less aggressive and more aggressive upper urinary tract tumours. By comparing the MRI results with detailed lab tests of the tumours, they want to see if MRI can become a reliable tool to help doctors make more accurate diagnoses and decide on the best personalised treatment for each patient.

Key takeaways

This study uses MRI to improve diagnosis of upper urinary tract cancers.
It aims to tell aggressive cancers apart from less aggressive ones more accurately.
Early detection of aggressive cancers could lead to better pre-surgery treatments.
Participation involves an additional MRI scan, not new medications.
The study wants to make diagnosis safer and more effective for patients.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and your doctor must suspect you have a tumour in your upper urinary tract based on a previous CT scan. You'll also need to be able to understand the study and provide your written permission to take part, and be covered by a social security scheme.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have severe kidney problems that prevent you from having certain dyes, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You also can't take part if you have things in your body that aren't safe for an MRI, like some pacemakers, or if you get very anxious in enclosed spaces (claustrophobia) which would make an MRI impossible.

Finally, if you're already in another medical research study, or have participated in one recently and are still in its 'waiting period', you won't be able to join this study. Also, if you have a known allergy to a specific MRI dye called gadoteric acid, you cannot participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a suspected upper urinary tract tumour based on a CT scan?
Can you safely have an MRI scan (no incompatible metal in your body, not severely claustrophobic)?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Are you not currently in another medical research study with an ongoing 'exclusion period'?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you won't be given any new treatments or medications. Instead, the main part of your participation will involve having a special MRI scan of your upper urinary tract. This MRI scan will be in addition to the usual checks and tests your doctors are already doing for your suspected tumour. The results of this MRI scan will then be compared with the information from your tumour samples, either from surgery or biopsies, to see how accurate the MRI is. There are no additional visits planned beyond your standard medical care, and the study doesn't involve any long-term follow-up specifically for research purposes. The duration of your participation will depend on when your MRI scan takes place and when your tumour samples are analysed as part of your standard care.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help improve how these types of cancer are diagnosed in the future, ultimately benefiting other patients. For you personally, there's no direct medical benefit expected from the MRI itself, as it's for research purposes. However, it will provide extra information about your condition. Potential risks include those associated with a standard MRI scan, such as feeling uncomfortable or claustrophobic, or a very rare allergic reaction to the dye used. You will be told about all risks before you decide to join, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without explaining why, and your medical care will not be affected.

Locations (11)

Hôpital Pellegrin
Verified postcode
Bordeaux, France
Hôpital Claude Huriez
Verified postcode
Lille, France
Institut Paoli Calmettes
Verified postcode
Marseille, France
Clinique Beau Soleil
Verified postcode
Montpellier, France
Hôpital Lapeyronie
Verified postcode
Montpellier, France
Hôpital Saint-Louis
Verified postcode
Paris, France
Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière
Verified postcode
Paris, France
Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou
Verified postcode
Paris, France
Clinique La Croix du Sud
Verified postcode
Quint-Fonsegrives, France
CHU de Toulouse
Verified postcode
Toulouse, France
Clinique Pasteur
Verified postcode
Toulouse, France

Common questions

What is an upper urinary tract tumour?

It's a type of cancer that grows in the tubes that carry urine from your kidneys down to your bladder. These tubes are called ureters, and also the collecting areas in the kidney itself.

Why can't my existing CT scan tell if my tumour is aggressive?

While CT scans are good at finding tumours, they often can't show enough detail to tell if a tumour is mildly aggressive or more seriously aggressive. That's what this study hopes special MRI scans can do better.

Will I get any medication or extra treatment in this study?

No, this study is only looking at using MRI scans for diagnosis. You won't receive any new medications or treatments as part of the research.

What happens if the MRI shows something different to my other tests?

The study aims to compare the MRI results with other tests. Any information from your MRI will be shared with your medical team to help them in your overall care and decision-making, in line with their standard practice.

How long will I be in the study?

Your participation mainly involves having one MRI scan. The study will then compare this with your existing tumour test results. There's no long-term follow-up specifically for the study itself beyond your usual medical care.

How to find out more

Thomas PRUDHOMME, MD

prudhomme.t@chu-toulouse.fr 0561322748 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.