This study will study circulating tumor cell (CTC) release during laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) for RCC. The main objective is to determine if CTC release can be reduced during RN by using a no-touch technique, with an early renal pedicle ligation. The investigators also aim to describe the CTC profile in terms of CTC count (CTCn), epithelial/mesenchymal status, and CTC cellular features in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients, stratified by "primary tumor, regional nodes, metastasis" (TNM) staging, histological subtype, and other clinical and radiological features. Patients undergoing RN will enter a two-arm prospective single-center randomized controlled trial (RCT), comparing a no-touch RN technique, with direct pedicle ligation (Group A) vs. the more conventional approach of kidney traction and manipulation to reach the renal pedicle before its ligation (Group B). A microfluidic size-based CTC isolation device will be used to capture and count CTCs from peripheral blood samples of these patients. CTCs will be identified by staining with antibodies to cytokeratin 8/18, vimentin, 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), and cluster of differentiation antigen 45 (CD45). CTC release will be correlated with the disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). The investigators will determine if CTC reducing no-touch radical nephrectomy technique improves these hard outcomes.
Age range
18 Years
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.
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.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
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.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Circulating tumor cell count - intra-operative
Timeframe: Intra-operative
Circulating tumor cell count - D1
Timeframe: Post-operative day 1
Circulating tumor cell count - D30
Timeframe: Post-operative day 30