New laser microscope could spot urinary tract tumors without needles

NCT ID NCT02276924

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether a laser confocal microscope, used during a kidney-ureter scope procedure, can tell the difference between normal and cancerous tissue in the upper urinary tract. 29 adults with conditions like blood in urine, kidney stones, or urinary tract cancer took part. The goal was to see if this imaging method could reduce the need for biopsies, which can be difficult and risky.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

fluorescein (a dye used to highlight cells during imaging)

What this could lead to

If successful, this imaging technique could help doctors identify tumors during a scope procedure without taking tissue samples, making diagnosis safer and faster.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed study with only 29 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The technique is still experimental and may not be accurate enough to replace biopsies.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

benign urinary system neoplasm congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract 2 Hematuria Multicystic renal dysplasia, bilateral nephrolithiasis renal pelvis/ureter urothelial carcinoma urinary system neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Groupement des Hôpitaux de l'Institut Catholique de Lille

    Lille, Hauts-de-France, 59000, France