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Photon-Counting Computed Tomography-Based Urethral Visualization Without Catheterization for Radiotherapy Planning: A Prospective Pilot Study Under ANTHEM

NCT07730203 · Status: RECRUITING · Type: OBSERVATIONAL · Enrollment: 20

Last updated 2026-07-28

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

In prostate cancer radiotherapy, it is important to accurately identify and protect healthy organs near the prostate. One of these structures is the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. If the urethra receives too much radiation, patients may experience urinary side effects.

Current CT scans used for treatment planning do not clearly show the urethra unless a urinary catheter is inserted. While a catheter can improve visibility, it may cause discomfort, increase the risk of infection, and slightly change the natural position of the urethra. MRI scans can also help visualize the urethra, but they are not always available and may not fit easily into all treatment workflows.

Photon-counting CT (PCCT) is a new type of CT scanner that produces higher-quality images with better detail. This technology may allow doctors to see the urethra without using a catheter.

The purpose of this pilot study is to investigate whether PCCT can reliably visualize the urethra in prostate cancer patients without the need for catheter insertion. If successful, this approach could make treatment planning more comfortable and less invasive while helping doctors better protect healthy tissues during radiotherapy.

Conditions

Interventions

OTHER

image acquisition

Two sets of images will be acquired on TC photon counting: the first without a catheter, and the second after catheter placement by healthcare personnel. Comparison between images with and without catheter

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Istituto Clinico Humanitas

    lead OTHER

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Sex
MALE
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-06-22
Primary Completion
2026-12-31
Completion
2026-12-31

Countries

  • Italy

Study Locations

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Entities

Diseases

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07730203 on ClinicalTrials.gov