CompletedPhase 1

Short-Term Low-Dose Interferon Alfa in Treating Patients With Cancer of the Urothelium

United States33 participantsStarted 2003-12

Plain-language summary

RATIONALE: Interferon alfa may interfere with the growth of tumor cells and slow the growth of urothelial cancer. PURPOSE: This randomized phase I trial is studying how well low-dose interferon alfa works in treating patients with cancer of the urothelium.

Who can participate

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria

. Patients must have histologically proven urothelial cancer, known or suspected (e.g. by outside evaluation) to be muscle-invasive, and be scheduled for cystoscopy and transurethral biopsy as part of their routine evaluation at M. D. Anderson.
. Patients must understand the investigational nature of this study and provide written, informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

. Patients who are pregnant or lactating are not eligible. Women of child-bearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test before starting therapy.
. Patients with current symptoms suggestive of clinically significant affective disorder.
. Patients taking more than physiologic replacement doses of corticosteroids are not eligible.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Descriptive Data on Expression of Death Effectors in Context of Low-dose Interferon

Timeframe: 2 Years

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00082719

SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2015-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Bladder Cancer trials

Who can participate

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria

. Patients must have histologically proven urothelial cancer, known or suspected (e.g. by outside evaluation) to be muscle-invasive, and be scheduled for cystoscopy and transurethral biopsy as part of their routine evaluation at M. D. Anderson.
. Patients must understand the investigational nature of this study and provide written, informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

. Patients who are pregnant or lactating are not eligible. Women of child-bearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test before starting therapy.
. Patients with current symptoms suggestive of clinically significant affective disorder.
. Patients taking more than physiologic replacement doses of corticosteroids are not eligible.