This is a single-center, open-label, non-randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by radical surgery versus upfront radical surgery alone in patients with high-risk, non-metastatic upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). The study aims to answer the following key questions: Does NAC improve pathologic response rates (defined as downstaging to \<ypT2N0) compared to immediate surgery? What is the rate of pathologic complete response (pCR; ypT0N0) in the NAC group? How do the two treatment strategies compare in terms of overall survival, cancer-specific survival, and recurrence-free survival? What is the safety and tolerability profile of NAC using gemcitabine and cisplatin in this patient population? Eligible participants will be assigned to either the NAC-plus-surgery group or the surgery-only group based on clinical evaluation and patient preference. The study will also explore potential biomarkers (e.g., chromosomal instability in liquid biopsies) for predicting treatment response. Key Eligibility Criteria: Adults with histologically confirmed high-risk UTUC Clinical stage ≤N1 M0 Adequate renal function (GFR ≥45 mL/min) and ECOG performance status 0-1 Primary Outcome: Pathologic response rate (proportion of patients with \<ypT2N0)
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
120
Participants in NAC+RNU cohort will receive 3-4 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) with the gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC) regimen prior to undergoing definitive surgery. Gemcitabine (1000 mg/m²) will be administered on Day 1 and Day 8, and cisplatin (70 mg/m²) will be administered on Day 2 of each 21-day cycle.
Changhai Hospital
Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, China
Pathological Downstaging Rate (≤ ypT1N0)
The proportion of patients achieving pathological downstaging to stage ≤ ypT1N0 in the surgical specimen following neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radical nephroureterectomy (RNU), as assessed by central pathology review. Patients in the NAC cohort who do not undergo surgery will be classified as non-responders.
Time frame: Assessed at the time of surgery, approximately 10-14 weeks after initiation of treatment for the NAC+Surgery cohort and approximately 2-4 weeks after enrollment for the Surgery Only cohort.
Pathological Complete Response (pCR) Rate
The proportion of patients achieving a pathological complete response (ypT0N0) in the surgical specimen in the NAC+Surgery cohort.
Time frame: Assessed at the time of surgery, approximately 10-14 weeks after initiation of treatment.
Incidence of Treatment-Related Adverse Events
Safety and tolerability of neoadjuvant chemotherapy as measured by the incidence, type, and severity of treatment-related adverse events graded according to CTCAE v5.0.
Time frame: From start of NAC through surgery (approximately 10-14 weeks).
Overall Survival (OS)
The time from the date of enrollment to the date of death due to any cause.
Time frame: From enrollment until death from any cause, assessed up to 60 months.
Recurrence-Free Survival (RFS)
The time from surgery to the first documented occurrence of local/regional recurrence, distant metastasis, or death from any cause, whichever occurs first.
Time frame: From surgery until first documented recurrence or death, assessed up to 60 months.
Cancer-Specific Survival (CSS)
The time from enrollment to death directly attributable to upper tract urothelial carcinoma.
Time frame: From enrollment until death due to cancer, assessed up to 60 months.
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