RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

MICROBIOTA AND BLADDER CANCER

Bladder cancer is a common cancer, especially in older men who smoke. However, scientists believe other factors, like the tiny living organisms (microbes) found in our bodies, might also be important. This study focuses on microbes in the bladder. While we know microbes exist in healthy people, researchers want to see if specific changes in these bladder microbes are connected to bladder cancer. They will be taking small samples from both healthy and cancerous parts of the bladder in the same patient to look closely at these microbial differences. The aim is to understand if certain bacteria or viruses could be involved in causing bladder cancer, which might help lead to new ways to prevent or treat it.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice

Enrolment target

Start

23 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

30 Oct 2028

Bladder (Urothelial, Transitional Cell) Cancer

What is this study about?

Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that affects the bladder, an organ that stores urine. In the UK, it's a condition that mostly affects older men, and smoking is a well-known risk factor. However, researchers are exploring other things that might contribute to bladder cancer, and one area of interest is the "microbiota" – that's the community of tiny living organisms, like bacteria and viruses, that live in and on our bodies.

Recently, scientists have learned that there are indeed microbes in the bladder, even in healthy people. We already know that changes in microbes in other parts of the body, like the gut, can be linked to certain diseases. So, this study wants to see if changes in the microbes found in bladder tissue might also be connected to bladder cancer. Previous small studies have hinted that there might be differences in the types of microbes found in cancerous bladder tissue compared to healthy bladder tissue.

The team conducting this study wants to confirm these early findings with a larger, more detailed investigation. They will carefully compare the microbes in cancerous bladder tissue with those in healthy bladder tissue from the same patient. By doing this, they hope to identify any specific bacteria or viruses that might be linked to bladder cancer. Understanding these microbial connections could open doors to new ways of understanding, preventing, or even treating bladder cancer in the future.

Key takeaways

This study explores the link between bladder microbes and bladder cancer.
It aims to compare microbes in cancerous and healthy bladder tissue.
Participation involves providing tissue samples during planned surgery.
It's for men aged 18+ suspected of having bladder cancer.
The research helps doctors better understand bladder cancer causes.

Who may be eligible?

This study is particularly looking for men aged 18 or older who are having their first keyhole surgery (called RTUV) because doctors suspect they might have bladder cancer. You'd also need to be part of the social security scheme and be able to give your full written permission to take part.

There are certain reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you've taken antibiotics recently (within the last three months) or if you currently have a urine infection. Also, if you've had surgery on your bladder or genitals in the past six months, or if you've previously had radiotherapy to your pelvis, you wouldn't be eligible.

Other reasons for not being able to join include having a long-term catheter, a condition called interstitial cystitis, or if your doctors confirm you have a non-cancerous growth after your biopsy. Vulnerable individuals, such as minors or those under legal guardianship, are also not able to participate in this study.

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 a man aged 18 or older?
Are you scheduled for your first keyhole bladder surgery (RTUV) for suspected bladder cancer?
Have you *not* taken antibiotics in the last 3 months?
Do you *not* currently have a urine infection?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will be asked to provide a small tissue sample. This sample will be taken during the keyhole bladder surgery (RTUV) you are already scheduled to have. The doctors will take a sample from the area where cancer is suspected and also a sample from healthy bladder tissue nearby. There are no extra procedures or medications involved specifically for the study. Your involvement will mainly be providing these tissue samples for analysis. There are no additional hospital visits required beyond your standard medical care. The total duration of your participation would be limited to the time of your surgery and the analysis of the samples, with no long-term follow-up specifically for the study.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part include contributing to a greater understanding of bladder cancer and its causes, which could eventually lead to better prevention or treatment strategies for others. There are very minimal risks as the tissue samples are taken during an essential procedure you are already having; there are no additional surgeries or medications. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (8)

Cannes Hospital
Verified postcode
Cannes, France· Not yet recruiting
Marseille university Hospital
Verified postcode
Marseille, France· Not yet recruiting
Menton Hospital
Verified postcode
Menton, France· Not yet recruiting
Nice University Hospital
Verified postcode
Nice, France· Recruiting
Nimes University hospital
Verified postcode
Nîmes, France· Not yet recruiting
Paris University Hospital
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Not yet recruiting
Rennes University Hospital
Verified postcode
Rennes, France· Not yet recruiting
Tours University Hospital
Verified postcode
Tours, France· Not yet recruiting

Common questions

What is the 'microbiota'?

The microbiota is the community of tiny living things, like bacteria and viruses, that live naturally in and on our bodies.

Why is this study only for men?

Bladder cancer is much more common in men, especially older men, so this study is focusing on this group to understand specific factors related to them.

Will taking part change my bladder cancer treatment?

No, taking part in this study will not change the standard medical care or treatment you receive for your bladder cancer.

What is a 'biopsy'?

A biopsy is when doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from your body to examine it more closely under a microscope.

Do I have to take part?

No, taking part is completely voluntary. Your decision will not affect your medical care in any way.

How to find out more

Alice GAUDART

gaudart.a@chu-nice.fr 04 92 03 62 14 Official trial record

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