Could sterile water match chemotherapy in preventing bladder cancer return?

NCT ID NCT04865939

First seen Aug 17, 2026 ยท Last updated Aug 17, 2026

Summary

This trial tests whether rinsing the bladder with sterile water during surgery works as well as a chemotherapy drug (gemcitabine) placed directly into the bladder to prevent cancer from coming back. People with upper tract urothelial carcinoma who are having surgery to remove the affected kidney or ureter may join. The goal is to see which approach better reduces the chance of bladder cancer recurrence after surgery.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
Intravesical gemcitabine (chemotherapy placed directly into the bladder) compared with continuous bladder irrigation with sterile water during surgery
What this could lead to
If sterile water works as well as gemcitabine, it could offer a simpler, cheaper, and more accessible way to prevent bladder cancer from returning after surgery for upper tract urothelial carcinoma.
What could go wrong
This is a phase 3 trial, but results may not confirm that sterile water is equally effective. There is also a risk of side effects from gemcitabine, such as bladder irritation or other complications.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

    RECRUITING

    Dallas, Texas, 75390, United States

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