For thousands diagnosed each year with Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma (UTUC), treatment options remain limited. This rare and complex cancer, affecting the kidney’s inner lining and the ureter, presents a unique challenge—its location makes complete removal difficult. But now, a new approach is bringing hope.
Sustained Therapeutics, in collaboration with the Vancouver Prostate Centre (VPC), has officially enrolled the first patient in a pivotal Phase II/III clinical trial for ST-02, an innovative chemotherapeutic treatment designed specifically for UTUC. With five additional Canadian sites set to participate, this trial marks a critical step forward in addressing an unmet medical need.
A Targeted Approach to Treatment
Current treatment options for UTUC often involve invasive surgery, including kidney removal, which can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life. The ST-02 formulation, developed by Sustained Therapeutics, takes a different approach. This sustained-release chemotherapy is delivered directly to the affected area via catheter, allowing the medication to coat the cancerous tissue and remain in place for approximately 24 hours. The goal? To increase treatment efficacy while reducing side effects associated with systemic chemotherapy.
“This approach may allow better disease control without having to remove a kidney.”
A New Opportunity
Dr. Peter Black, Senior Research Scientist at the Vancouver Prostate Centre and lead investigator for the trial, sees ST-02 as a potential game-changer. “This is a new opportunity in the treatment of UTUC,” he explains. “Currently, we have limited options for this uncommon and challenging cancer. This approach may allow better disease control without having to remove a kidney.”
By targeting the tumor site directly and sustaining drug exposure, ST-02 could offer patients an alternative to surgery while improving outcomes. The trial aims to enroll approximately 75 patients, and the company believes ST-02 may qualify for orphan drug designation—potentially expediting its path to market.
“We believe ST-02 has the potential to address a significant unmet need for patients with UTUC.”
Innovation Rooted in Research
Sustained Therapeutics has built its foundation on breakthrough drug delivery technologies. The company’s proprietary platform enables sustained release of therapeutic agents, maximizing treatment effectiveness while minimizing systemic exposure. ST-02 represents the second product in its pipeline to reach Phase II trials, reinforcing its mission to develop transformative therapies for cancer and beyond.
“This is an important milestone for Sustained Therapeutics,” says Dr. Martin Gleave, Founder and Chief Medical Officer. “We believe ST-02 has the potential to address a significant unmet need for patients with UTUC. It’s an exciting time to be advancing this work.”
“It’s an exciting time to be a part of this work.”
A Future of Possibilities
With the first patient now enrolled, this clinical trial is a step toward redefining UTUC treatment. For patients and families facing this challenging diagnosis, ST-02 represents more than just a drug—it’s a new possibility, a renewed sense of hope, and a path forward that may one day transform cancer care.
About Sustained Therapeutics
Sustained Therapeutics is a clinical-stage company pioneering sustained-release drug delivery for cancer, inflammatory diseases, and pain management. A spin-off from the University of British Columbia, the company is advancing multiple products through clinical trials, including ST-01 for acute and chronic pain. With innovation at its core, Sustained Therapeutics is committed to improving patient outcomes through novel therapeutic solutions.