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

Istituto Clinico Humanitas

Status

Enrolling

Conditions

Prostate Cancer

Treatments

Other: image acquisition

Study type

Observational

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT07730203

PURE-CT/ANTHEM

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Enrollment

20 estimated patients

Sex

Male

Ages

18+ years old

Volunteers

No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria