Viewing the urethra on new CT scans without a catheter before prostate radiotherapy
Tests a new CT scanner to see the urethra in adults with prostate cancer.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Photon-Counting Computed Tomography-Based Urethral Visualization Without Catheterization for Radiotherapy Planning: A Prospective Pilot Study Under ANTHEM
Key facts
- Where
- Rozzano, ItalySee the site
AI summary: who the study is looking for
From the trial's eligibility criteria. Machine-read from the registry text on this page, so it can be wrong. The registry text below and the trial team decide who can take part.
The trial is looking for men with prostate cancer who are planned for radiotherapy. It tests whether a new CT scanner can show the urethra without a urinary catheter.
- Age
- 18 years or older
- Sex
- Men only
- Disease stage
- Prostate cancer, planned for radiotherapy
Main reasons for not taking part
- Active or suspected urinary tract infection
- Known urethral stricture or recent urethral surgery
- Any reason that makes placing a urinary catheter unsafe
Read by machine on 9 November 2026.
Where in Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research HospitalRozzano, ItalyContact: Ciro Franzese, MD, Radiation OncologistTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations
Print a page for my doctorTrial details
- Who runs it
- Istituto Clinico Humanitas
- Trial code
- NCT07730203
- Record updated
- 28 July 2026
- Original description
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.Read full original descriptionShow less
Photon-Counting Computed Tomography-Based Urethral Visualization Without Catheterization for Radiotherapy Planning: A Prospective Pilot Study Under ANTHEM
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.
Inclusion: Prostate cancer candidate to radiotherapy; Written informed consent; Eligibility for urethral catheter placement according to institutional practice.
Exclusion: Known urethral stricture or recent urethral surgery; Active or suspected urinary tract infection; Contraindication to catheter placement.