Photodynamic Diagnosis of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Using Fluorescence Endoscopy and Oral 5-ALA
A Phase II Study on Photodynamic Diagnosis of Urological Cancer in the Upper Urinary Tract Using Fluorescence Endoscopy With Cystoscopy and Ureteroscopy With 5-ALA
Henry Ford Health System
10 participants
Apr 1, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
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.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria3
- 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 Criteria5
- 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
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Interventions
Participants will receive a single oral dose of 5-aminolevulinic acid (20 mg/kg) approximately 2 to 4 hours prior to surgery. The goal is to evaluate the feasibility of using fluorescence cystoscopy with blue light to improve tumor detection and visualization during ureteroscopic resection of upper tract urothelial carcinoma.
Locations(1)
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NCT06948552