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Non-muscle Invasive Bladder CancerPhase 2eRapaNCT04375813

Trial of Encapsulated Rapamycin (eRapa) for Bladder Cancer Prevention

A Phase 2 study testing eRapa in people with Non-muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer, run by Robert Svatek at 2 sites in United States.

Active, not recruiting

Under way, not looking for participants. Everyone needed has enrolled. The study is still running.

Official record
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Trial summary

eRapa (encapsulated rapamycin) will be investigated for secondary prevention in patients with diagnosed non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) through a phase II double-blind randomized controlled trial of long-term (one year) prevention with eRapa versus placebo. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Non-muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer
What is being tested?
eRapa
Type of treatment
Pill or oral medicine
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
166 participants
Where
2 sitesUnited States
Study dates
25 Jan 2021to Jul 2027
Phase
Phase 2
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Pathologically (histologically) proven diagnosis of non-muscle invasive (Ta, Tis, or T1) bladder cancer within 90 days prior to enrollment
  • Be able to give informed consent
  • Be age 18 or older
  • Patients must not be taking oral glucocorticoids at the time of enrollment or have active, uncontrolled infections.
  • No other prior non-bladder malignancy is allowed except for the following: adequately treated basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer, in situ cervical cancer, adequately treated Stage I or II cancer from which the patient is currently in complete remission, or any other cancer from which the patient has been disease free for five years. Patients with localized prostate cancer who are being followed by an active surveillance program are also eligible.
  • Patients with T1 disease must have cross-sectional imaging of abdomen/pelvis demonstrating no evidence of nodal involvement or metastatic disease (MRI or CT scan) within 90 days prior to enrollment.
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  • Patients with T1 disease must have re-resection confirming ≤ T1 disease within 90 days prior to enrollment.
  • Patients must have had all grossly visible papillary tumors removed within 90 days prior to enrollment or cystoscopy confirming no grossly visible papillary tumors within 90 days prior to enrollment.
  • Patients must not have received prior intravesical BCG.
  • Patients must not be pregnant or nursing as the use of Intravesical BCG is not recommended during pregnancy. Women/men of reproductive potential must have agreed to use an effective contraceptive method while on study drug and for 12 weeks after ending treatment. A woman is considered to be of "reproductive potential" if she has had menses at any time in the preceding 12 consecutive months. Examples of effective contraception are listed below:
  • Hormonal contraception
  • Double barrier method (condom with spermicidal cream, diaphragms with spermicidal cream or condoms with diaphragms)
  • Intrauterine device
  • Partner vasectomy
  • In addition to routine contraceptive methods, "effective contraception" also includes heterosexual celibacy and surgery intended to prevent pregnancy (or with a side-effect of pregnancy prevention) defined as a hysterectomy, bilateral oophorectomy or bilateral tubal ligation. However, if at any point a previously celibate patient chooses to become heterosexually active during the time period for use of contraceptive measures outlined in the protocol, he/she is responsible for beginning contraceptive measures. Both male and female patients will be required to disclose an effective contraception method during screening and agree to continue to use that contraception method through the end of their participation in the study.

Who cannot join

  • Have muscle-invasive or higher (≥T2) bladder cancer
  • Unable to give informed consent
  • Under 18 years of age
  • Taking oral glucocorticoids at the time of enrollment.
  • Have active, uncontrolled infections
  • Presence of another cancer requiring active treatment (except basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin)
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  • Patients at risk of pregnancy that are unwilling or unable to take effective contraception during the study period or patients that are nursing during study period. Women/men of reproductive potential must have agreed to use an effective contraceptive method or will be considered ineligible for study participation.
  • Evidence of nodal involvement or metastatic disease within 90 days prior to enrollment.
  • History of prior intravesical BCG
  • History of prior Rapamycin treatment
  • Taking strong inhibitors (such as ketoconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin, telithromycin, or clarithromycin) or inducers of CYP3A4 and/or P-gp (such as rifampin or rifabutin).

Trial locations and contacts

2 sites in 1 country.

United States2 sites
  • UT Southwestern Medical Center

    Dallas, Texas, 75390

  • UT Health San Antonio

    San Antonio, Texas, 78229

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: Phase II Trial of Encapsulated Rapamycin (eRapa) for Bladder Cancer Prevention

eRapa (encapsulated rapamycin) will be investigated for secondary prevention in patients with diagnosed non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) through a phase II double-blind randomized controlled trial of long-term (one year) prevention with eRapa versus placebo. The primary hypothesis is that eRapa decreases the risk of cancer relapse for patients with NMIBC. Secondary hypotheses are that eRapa can improve certain immune parameters and improve cognition and physical function without adversely affecting patient-reported outcomes and quality of life.

Read the detailed description

The study is a multi-site phase II double-blind randomized trial. Subjects will be randomized into placebo arm or intervention arm with low dose (0.5 mg) eRapa (encapsulated rapamycin) Monday-Friday for one year or until disease recurrence. Patients will undergo endoscopic evaluation of the bladder every 3 months for 2 years, then every 6 months for 2 years, and at year 5. Some patients may also concurrently receive BCG immune therapy maintenance (weekly for 6 weeks for induction period, weekly for 3 weeks at 3 months, 6 months, and then every 6 months for a total of 7 maintenance cycles following tumor removal) per standard of care. Patient-reported outcome (PRO) assessments, cognitive assessments, and physical assessments will be completed according to the study calendar. Research blood to assess safety, immune response and rapamycin level will be collected regularly throughout the study period. Participants will be followed for up to 5 years following enrollment.

Being tested
eRapa, Placebos
Medical subject headings
Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Neoplasms

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • eRapaDrug

    Also called encapsulated rapamycin

    0.5mg eRapa (encapsulated rapamycin) oral capsules

  • PlacebosDrug

    placebo capsules visually identical to eRapa oral capsules

Study groups in NCT04375813
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Active Study Drug GroupActive comparatorPatients will be given 0.5mg eRapa (encapuslated rapamycin) orally each weekday (Monday-Friday) for one year.
Receives: Drug: eRapa
Placebo GroupPlacebo comparatorPatients will be given a placebo (visually identical to the eRapa (encapsulated rapamycin)) orally each weekday (Monday-Friday) for one year.
Receives: Drug: Placebos

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Determine 1-year Recurrence Free Survival (RFS) rate

    The primary analysis will be the estimation of the RFS rate with the 95% confidence interval and comparison of the rate to the historical rate of 68% using the single arm log-rank test (one-sided alpha = 0.05). If the observed rate of RFS is 80% the expected number of events is about 20-28. Recurrence confirmed by pathologic examination of biopsied tissue.

    Measured: 1 year

  2. Change in Urinary Quality of Life

    Urinary Quality of Life measured using the urinary domain of the QLQ-BLS24 Index (a 24-item questionnaire that measures quality of life as it relates to urinary symptoms, sexual function, and bother domains). QLQ-BLS24 with a scale ranging from 24-96, and higher scores are worse.

    Measured: Scored at baseline and months 3, 6, 12 and 24. For any subject who has a recurrence after enrollment, but prior to completing a full year of dosing at Visit 6, this will also be measured at the End of Treatment visit.

  3. Change in Cognitive Function

    Cognitive function will be measured throughout the study period using EXIT. The EXIT is a brief 25-item interview that will be used by trained research staff to evaluate executive cognitive dysfunction of subjects.

    Measured: EXIT will be scored at baseline and on months 12 and 24.For any subject who has a recurrence after enrollment, but prior to completing a full year of dosing at Visit 6, this will also be measured at the End of Treatment visit.

  4. Change in Cognitive Function

    Cognitive function will be measured throughout the study period using St. Louis University Mental Status exam (SLUMS). The SLUMS exam will be used to evaluate memory, digit span and animal fluency.

    Measured: SLUMS will be scored at baseline and on months 12 and 24.For any subject who has a recurrence after enrollment, but prior to completing a full year of dosing at Visit 6, this will also be measured at the End of Treatment visit.

  5. Change in Cognitive Function

    Cognitive function will be measured throughout the study period using Texas Assessment of Processing Speed (TAPS). The TAPS test will evaluate digit/symbol coding.

    Measured: TAPS will be scored at baseline and on months 6, 12, and 24. For any subject who has a recurrence after enrollment, but prior to completing a full year of dosing at Visit 6, this will also be measured at the End of Treatment visit.

  6. Change in cytoscopy consistent with recurrence (time to recurrence)

    Change in cytoscopy results from baseline consistent with recurrence, confirmed by pathologic examination of biopsied tissue.

    Measured: Patients will undergo office-based cystoscopy with urine cytology every 3 months for the first 2 years, then every 6 months for 2 years, and at year 5, with biopsies per standard of care if necessary.

  7. Change in Short Physical Performance Battery

    The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) consists of a balance test looking at the ability to maintain three standing positions for 10 seconds, a timed 4-meter walk in which subjects perform their walk at their preferred walking speed, and a chair stand test that times the ability of the subject to arise from a chair 5 times without using their arms. Each section is scored out of 4 points, for a total possible score of 12 points. This test provides information on several motor domains such as static and dynamic balance, coordination, and strength of lower limbs. Lower scores may be associated with increased disability risk. The SPPB and Handgrip Strength are physical assessments.

    Measured: SPPB will be scored at baseline and on months 6, 12, and 24. For any subject who has a recurrence after enrollment, but prior to completing a full year of dosing at Visit 6, this will also be measured at the End of Treatment visit.

  8. Change in Handgrip Strength

    When measuring handgrip strength, the subject will be seated in a chair with the forearm at a 90-degree elbow bend. Three consecutive grip strengths will be completed with a standard grip strength dynamometer for both hands. The Handgrip Strength and SPPB are physical assessments.

    Measured: Handgrip Strength will be scored at baseline and on months 6, 12, and 24. For any subject who has a recurrence after enrollment, but prior to completing a full year of dosing at Visit 6, this will also be measured at the End of Treatment visit.

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted5 May 2020
  2. Study start25 Jan 2021
  3. Primary completionJan 2027 (estimated)
  4. Study completionJul 2027 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 2
Primary purpose
Prevention
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
This is a multi-site phase II double-blind randomized trial. Subjects will be randomized into placebo arm or intervention arm with low dose (0.5 mg) eRapa (encapsulated rapamycin) Monday-Friday for one year or until disease recurrence. Patients will undergo endoscopic evaluation of the bladder every 3 months for 2 years, then every 6 months for 2 years, and at year 5. Some patients may also concurrently receive BCG immune therapy maintenance (weekly for 6 weeks for induction period, weekly for 3 weeks at 3 months, 6 months, and then every 6 months for a total of 7 maintenance cycles following tumor removal) per standard of care. Patient-reported outcome assessments, cognitive assessments, and physical assessments will be completed according to the study calendar. Research blood to assess safety, immune response and rapamycin level will be collected regularly throughout the study period. Participants will be followed for up to 5 years following enrollment.
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Investigator
Enrolment
166 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT04375813
Sponsor's protocol ID
STUDY00001422
Other IDs
R01CA252057
Acronym
eRapa
Status last verified
May 2026
First submitted
28 Apr 2020
Last updated
3 Jun 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
Yes
FDA-regulated device
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 2 study testing eRapa in people with Non-muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer, run by Robert Svatek at 2 sites in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 15 inclusion and 11 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 3 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 2 sites in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this phase mean?

Phase 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Determine 1-year Recurrence Free Survival (RFS) rate (time frame: 1 year). The study lists 8 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 3 Jun 2026.

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