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NCT05987241 · National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Testing the Role of DNA Released From Tumor Cells Into the Blood in Guiding the Use of Immunotherapy After Surgical Removal of the Bladder, Kidney, Ureter, and Urethra for Urothelial Cancer Treatment, MODERN Study

What this study is about

This phase II/III trial examines whether patients who have undergone surgical removal of bladder, kidney, ureter or urethra, but require an additional treatment called immunotherapy to help prevent their urinary tract (urothelial) cancer from coming back, can be identified by a blood test.

View original scientific description

This phase II/III trial examines whether patients who have undergone surgical removal of bladder, kidney, ureter or urethra, but require an additional treatment called immunotherapy to help prevent their urinary tract (urothelial) cancer from coming back, can be identified by a blood test.

Interventions

PROCEDURE

Biospecimen Collection

Undergo collection of tissue and blood

OTHER

cfDNA or ctDNA Measurement

Undergo ctDNA surveillance

PROCEDURE

Computed Tomography

Undergo CT

PROCEDURE

Cystoscopy

Undergo cystoscopy

PROCEDURE

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Undergo MRI

BIOLOGICAL

Nivolumab

Given IV

OTHER

Questionnaire Administration

Ancillary studies

BIOLOGICAL

Relatlimab

Given IV

Primary outcome measures

Proportion of patients who are circulating tumor DNA negative (ctDNA[-]) (Cohort A Phase II)

Time frame: At week 12 from treatment start date

Will be determined for each treatment arm as the number of patients who are ctDNA(-) after 12 weeks of treatment divided by the total number of patients on the treatment arm. Patients who do not have a 12-week ctDNA result will be deemed to be ctDNA(+). The comparison of the proportions of patients who are ctDNA(-) after 12 weeks of treatment between the two arms will be performed with a chi-square test.

Overall survival (OS) (Cohort A Phase III)

Time frame: From randomization until death due to any cause, assessed up to 5 years after completion of study treatment

The analysis will be performed using a stratified log-rank test that uses the specified stratification variables. An additional analysis will be perform using a stratified Cox regression model to generate the point estimate and 90% confidence interval for the hazard ratio (HR) (comparing Arm 2 to Arm 1).

Disease-Free Survival (DFS) (Cohort B)

Time frame: From randomization until confirmed disease recurrence as assessed by the treating physician or death due to any cause, assessed up to 5 years after completion of study treatment

A stratified Cox model (using the randomization stratification variables will be used to generate a 90% confidence interval (CI) for the HR. If the 90% CI does not contain 1.39, Arm 4 (surveillance with ctDNA serial testing to determine whether patient is treated with nivolumab) will be deemed to be non-inferior to treating patients immediately with nivolumab.

Who can participate

This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.

Inclusion criteria

  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): Histologically confirmed muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma of the urethra, bladder, ureter or renal pelvis
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): Variant histology, including neuroendocrine differentiation, sarcomatoid, micropapillary, glandular, trophoblastic, Mullerian, is allowed if urothelial cancer is predominant histology (any amount of squamous differentiation is allowed provided the tumor is not a pure squamous cell cancer)
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): Radical surgery (cystectomy with lymph node dissection or nephroureterectomy or ureterectomy) must be ≥ 3 weeks and ≤ 12 weeks (central Signatera pathway) or ≤ 16 weeks (commercial Signatera pathwary) prior to pre-registration. Patients who have had a partial cystectomy as definitive therapy are not eligible
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): Patients who have had a partial cystectomy as definitive therapy are not eligible
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): No gross cancer at the surgical margins. Microscopic invasive urothelial carcinoma at the surgical margins (i.e., "positive margins") are allowed. Carcinoma in situ (CIS) at margins is considered negative margins
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): No evidence of residual cancer or metastasis after radical cystectomy or nephroureterectomy or ureterectomy (imaging is not required prior to pre-registration but is required prior to registration)
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): Have undergone a radical cystectomy nephroureterectomy, or ureterectomy with pathological evidence of urothelial carcinoma at high risk of recurrence as described in one of the two scenarios below (i or ii). The 7th edition of American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging will be utilized.:
  • (i) Patients who have not received neoadjuvant systemic therapy: pT4N0 or pTanyN+ on radical surgery pathology specimen (i.e., cystectomy, nephroureterectomy, or ureterectomy) and are not eligible for adjuvant cisplatin chemotherapy
  • (i) Patients ineligible for cisplatin due to at least one of the following criteria and reason for ineligibility should be documented:
  • (i) Creatinine Clearance (using Cockcroft-Gault): \< 60 mL/min
  • (i) Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5, grade \>= 2 audiometric hearing loss
  • (i) CTCAE version 5, grade \>= 2 or above peripheral neuropathy
  • New York Heart Association Class III heart failure
  • (i) Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status = 2
  • (i) Patients who are eligible for adjuvant cisplatin may be candidates if they refuse adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy, despite being informed by the investigator about the treatment options. The patient's refusal must be documented.
  • (i) Patients with pT2N0 urothelial cancer on radical surgery specimen (without prior neoadjuvant systemic therapy) with ctDNA(+) Signatera results are eligible only if the result was obtained via commercial testing (central testing is not permitted for this population) (Note: this is distinct from patients with ypT2N0 who are eligible based on ii).
  • (ii) Patients who received neoadjuvant systemic therapy: ypT2-T4N0 or Nx or ypTanyN+ on radical surgery (i.e., cystectomy. , nephroureterectomy, or ureterectomy) pathology specimen. Neoadjuvant systemic therapy may have included cisplatin-based chemotherapy, cisplatin-based chemotherapy plus PD-1/PD-L1 blockade, or enfortumab vedotin plus PD-1/PD-L1 blockade
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): Patients are required to meet criteria for one of two criteria:
  • 1\) Commercial Signatera pathway:
  • Available commercial Signatera testing result (i.e., ctDNA+ or ctDNA-) from blood sample obtained ≥ 3 weeks and ≤ 16 weeks from time of radical surgery performed as part of standard care
  • Sites are required to verify that the commercial Signatera report demonstrates a complete 16 target assay design and that the test was designed on exome. This verification is conducted at the site level during the eligibility review. OR
  • Central Signatera pathway:
  • Pre-registration samples are to be submitted after pre-registration, at ≥ 3 weeks but ≤ 12 weeks from the time of radical surgery
  • Ineligible patients for the commercial pathway must use the central Signatera pathway and provide tumor tissue as part of the A032103 study
  • For patients who have not had neoadjuvant chemotherapy, tumor tissue is preferred from the radical surgery specimen
  • For patients who have had neoadjuvant therapy, tissue is preferred from the pre-chemotherapy specimen diagnosing muscle-invasive disease (e.g., transurethral resection of bladder tumor specimen)
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): Age \>= 18 years
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): ECOG performance status 0-2
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): Not pregnant and not nursing, because this study involves an agent that has known genotoxic, mutagenic and teratogenic effects
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): No postoperative adjuvant systemic therapy after radical surgery
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): No adjuvant radiation after radical surgery
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): No treatment with any other type of investigational agent =\< 4 weeks before pre-registration
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): No previous treatment with LAG-3 blockade therapy
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): Patients with a prior or concurrent malignancy whose natural history or treatment does not have the potential to interfere with the safety or efficacy assessment of the investigational regimen are eligible for this trial
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) \>= 1,200/mm\^3
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): Platelet count \>= 100,000/mm\^3
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): Hemoglobin \>= 8 g/dL
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): Creatinine =\< 1.5 x upper limit of normal (ULN) or calculated (calc.) creatinine clearance \> 30 mL/min (using either Cockcroft-Gault formula or Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) =\< 3 x ULN
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): Total bilirubin =\< 1.5 x upper limit of normal (ULN) (except in patients with Gilbert Syndrome, who can have total bilirubin \< 3.0 mg/dL)
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): For women of childbearing potential only: A negative urine or serum pregnancy test done =\< 14 days prior to pre-registration is required
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): Not currently requiring hemodialysis
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): No current or prior history of myocarditis
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): No history of a grade ≥ 3 immune related adverse event with prior PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in the neoadjuvant setting
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): No active autoimmune disease or history of autoimmune disease that might recur, which may affect vital organ function or require immune suppressive treatment including systemic corticosteroids. These include but are not limited to patients with a history of immune related neurologic disease, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune (demyelinating) neuropathy, Guillain-Barre syndrome, myasthenia gravis; systemic autoimmune disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), connective tissue diseases, scleroderma, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, hepatitis; and patients with a history of toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), Stevens- Johnson syndrome, or phospholipid syndrome because of the risk of recurrence or exacerbation of disease.
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): Patients with vitiligo, endocrine deficiencies including type I diabetes mellitus, thyroiditis managed with replacement hormones including physiologic corticosteroids are eligible.
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other arthropathies, Sjögren's syndrome and psoriasis controlled with topical medication and patients with positive serology, such as antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-thyroid antibodies should be evaluated for the presence of target organ involvement and potential need for systemic treatment but should otherwise be eligible.
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): No current pneumonitis or prior history of non-infectious pneumonitis that required steroids within the previous 5 years.
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): No known active hepatitis B (e.g., hepatitis B surface antigen \[HBsAg\] reactive) or hepatitis C (e.g., hepatitis C virus \[HCV\] ribonucleic acid \[RNA\] \[qualitative\] is detected).
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): For patients with evidence of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the HBV viral load must be undetectable on suppressive therapy, if indicated. Patients with a history of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection must have been treated and cured. For patients with HCV infection who are currently on treatment, they are eligible if they have an undetectable HCV viral load.
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients on effective anti-retroviral therapy with undetectable viral load within 6 months are eligible.
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): No concurrent antineoplastic therapy including anti-hormonal treatments used for cancer therapy (e.g., leuprolide, antiandrogens)
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): No current immunosuppressive agents (except for corticosteroids as described below).
  • PRE-REGISTRATION (STEP 0): No condition requiring systemic treatment with either corticosteroids (\> 10 mg daily prednisone equivalents) or other immunosuppressive medications within 14 days of pre-registration (with the exception of steroid pre-medications for contrast allergies). Inhaled or topical steroids and adrenal replacement doses \< 10 mg daily prednisone equivalents are permitted in the absence of active autoimmune disease.
  • REGISTRATION (STEP 1): Patient must have had radical cystectomy and lymph node dissection or nephroureterectomy or ureterectomy =\< 18 weeks prior to registration.
  • REGISTRATION (STEP 1): Must have evaluable ctDNA Signatera assay result (i.e., ctDNA+ or ctDNA-) based on either:
  • Commercial Signatera result OR
  • Central Signatera testing result (i.e. testing that was performed as part of A032103.)
  • REGISTRATION (STEP 1): All patients must have confirmed disease-free status defined as no measurable disease by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1, or definitive non-measurable radiographic metastatic disease, within 60 days prior to registration. Patients with equivocal lymph nodes less than 15 mm in short axis, or \< 10 mm in long axis for non-lymph node lesions, not considered by the investigator to represent malignant disease will be eligible. Attempts should be made to resolve the etiology of equivocal lesions with complementary imaging (e.g., PET scan) or biopsy.
  • REGISTRATION (STEP 1): No major surgery =\< 3 weeks before registration.
  • REGISTRATION (STEP 1): No live vaccine within 30 days prior to registration. Examples of live vaccines include, but are not limited to, the following: measles, mumps, rubella, varicella/zoster (chicken pox), yellow fever, rabies, Bacillus Calmette- Guerin (BCG), and typhoid vaccine. Seasonal influenza vaccines for injection are generally killed virus vaccines and are allowed; however, intranasal influenza vaccines (e.g., FluMist \[registered trademark\]) are live attenuated vaccines and are not allowed. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines are not live vaccines and are allowed
  • REGISTRATION (STEP 1): No change since Step 0 pre-registration in clinical condition and/or laboratory tests that would impact the safety of nivolumab +/- relatlimab administration in the opinion of the treating investigator
  • REGISTRATION (STEP 1): No evidence of high grade urothelial cancer in the bladder for patients with primary urothelial cancers of the upper urinary tract
  • RE-REGISTRATION (STEP 2) COHORT B, ARM 4 PATIENTS INITIATING NIVOLUMAB AFTER CONVERSION OF ctDNA ASSAY FROM ctDNA(-) to ctDNA (+):
  • Patient must have converted to ctDNA(+) during serial monitoring performed centrally as part of A032103
  • RE-REGISTRATION (STEP 2) COHORT B, ARM 4 PATIENTS INITIATING NIVOLUMAB AFTER CONVERSION OF ctDNA ASSAY FROM ctDNA(-) to ctDNA (+):
  • No evidence of metastatic disease on the most recent scheduled imaging assessment as outlined in the study calendar (no repeat imaging is necessary specifically at the time of the conversion from ctDNA\[-\] to ctDNA\[+\]).
  • RE-REGISTRATION (STEP 2) COHORT B, ARM 4 PATIENTS INITIATING NIVOLUMAB AFTER CONVERSION OF ctDNA ASSAY FROM ctDNA(-) to ctDNA (+):
  • In the opinion of the treating investigator, patient clinical condition and laboratory tests would not impact the safety of nivolumab administration in the opinion of the treating investigator

Where

  • Phoenix, Arizona
  • Tucson, Arizona
  • Fayetteville, Arkansas
  • Rogers, Arkansas
  • Springdale, Arkansas
  • Anaheim, California
  • Baldwin Park, California
  • Bellflower, California
  • Dublin, California
  • Fontana, California
  • Fremont, California
  • Fresno, California

And 363 more locations — see the full list below.

Related conditions & keywords

Muscle Invasive Bladder Urothelial CarcinomaMuscle Invasive Renal Pelvis Urothelial CarcinomaMuscle Invasive Ureter Urothelial CarcinomaMuscle Invasive Urethral Urothelial CarcinomaStage II Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma AJCC v6 and v7Stage III Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma AJCC v6 and v7Stage IV Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma AJCC v7

Frequently asked questions

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.

Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Oct 14, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations

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1 of 992 participants interested
0% interest

See if this study fits

A short prescreen based on this study's listed criteria. A coordinator confirms eligibility — this is not a medical assessment.

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Study locations

Choose your preferred location, or select flexible during enrollment.

RECRUITING

Phoenix

Arizona

Location available
RECRUITING

Phoenix

Arizona

Location available
SUSPENDED

Tucson

Arizona

Location available
RECRUITING

Tucson

Arizona

Location available
RECRUITING

Tucson

Arizona

Location available
RECRUITING

Fayetteville

Arkansas

Location available
RECRUITING

Rogers

Arkansas

Location available
RECRUITING

Springdale

Arkansas

Location available
RECRUITING

Anaheim

California

Location available

And 483 more locations available.

Express your interest

Share your contact details and a study coordinator can follow up about screening.

Secure & Confidential

Your information is protected and will only be shared with the research team.

What participation can include

  • Study-related care provided by the research team
  • Close monitoring by medical professionals
  • Possible compensation for time and travel*
  • The option to withdraw at any time
  • Contributing to medical research that may help future patients

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Typical next steps

  1. 1.Submit this form
  2. 2.Phone screening
  3. 3.In-person assessment if eligible
  4. 4.Begin participation

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Looking for Urothelial Cancer Treatment in Phoenix?

Join others in Arizona exploring innovative treatment options through clinical research

Urothelial Cancer Treatment Options in Phoenix, Arizona

If you're searching for Urothelial Cancer treatment in Phoenix, participating in a clinical research study may provide access to innovative approaches under expert medical supervision. This study is actively recruiting participants in Phoenix, Tucson, Fayetteville and surrounding areas.

Clinical trials offer participants the opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatments while contributing to medical research that may help future patients with Urothelial Cancer. All study-related care is provided at no cost to participants.

Local Sites
3 locations in Arizona
Now Enrolling
Up to 992 participants
Quick Start
Screening available now

Why Consider a Clinical Trial for Urothelial Cancer?

Potential Benefits

  • ✓Access to new treatment approaches before public availability
  • ✓Close monitoring by experienced medical professionals
  • ✓Study-related care provided at no cost
  • ✓Contribute to medical research for Urothelial Cancer

What to Expect

  • →Initial screening to determine eligibility
  • →Regular check-ups and monitoring visits
  • →Possible compensation for time and travel
  • →You can withdraw at any time

Frequently Asked Questions About This Urothelial Cancer Study

Important Clinical Trial Information

This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical trial participation involves potential risks and benefits. Eligibility requirements apply and will be assessed during the screening process.

Study identifier: NCT05987241. For complete study details, visit ClinicalTrials.gov. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions about your medical care or participating in clinical research.