Aiming to understand how the primary tumour in the prostate, and the treatment of this, can affect secondary tumours at other sites
This study aims to understand how treating the main prostate cancer can affect other cancer cells that have spread to different parts of the body. We call these 'secondary tumours'. Many men with prostate cancer find that it spreads and becomes very hard to treat. By studying these changes, we hope to find new and better ways to treat advanced prostate cancer. This could help doctors choose the best treatments for individual men, slow down the cancer's growth, and even stop it from becoming resistant to current medicines. Ultimately, this research could lead to completely new treatments for advanced prostate cancer in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is looking into men with prostate cancer, especially when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. When prostate cancer spreads, it can become much harder to treat because it can learn to resist medicines. The researchers want to understand how treating the main prostate tumour affects these 'secondary' cancer cells in other areas of the body. This is a bit like seeing how a pebble dropped in one part of a pond creates ripples that reach other parts.
The main goal is to find out if certain treatments for the primary prostate tumour can actually help to control or influence the cancer that has spread. They will compare different standard treatments, like surgery or radiotherapy, and see how they impact the cancer at both the original site and where it has spread. They will look deep into the cancer cells to understand their genetic makeup and how they respond to treatment. This detailed information could reveal important clues.
By gathering this information, the hope is to find better ways to tailor treatments for men whose prostate cancer has spread. This means doctors could eventually choose the most effective approach for each patient to slow down the cancer's growth, and importantly, prevent it from becoming resistant to the medicines that are available. This could lead to better quality of life and outcomes for men living with advanced prostate cancer.
Key takeaways
- This study focuses on prostate cancer that has spread.
- It aims to understand how existing treatments affect cancer in different body parts.
- Participation involves blood, urine, and possibly extra tissue samples.
- There are no direct personal benefits, but your involvement helps future patients.
- The main risks are small chances of bleeding or infection from extra biopsies.
- The study runs until April 2028.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for men aged 18 or over. You might be suitable if you are having tests for a possible high-risk prostate cancer, or if you have already been diagnosed with prostate cancer that has started to spread, whether you're at the beginning of your treatment journey or further along.
However, some people won't be able to take part. For example, if you can't understand the study information and give your consent, or if you have certain health conditions that affect your immune system or blood clotting, especially if the study involves extra biopsies purely for research purposes. The research team will carefully check if the study is safe and suitable for you.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you have a prostate (either born male or a trans woman)?
- Are you having tests for possible high-risk prostate cancer?
- Or, do you already have a diagnosis of prostate cancer that has started to spread?
- Can you understand the study information and give your permission to take part?
- Do you have any conditions that affect your immune system or blood clotting (especially if considering an extra biopsy)?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you will be asked to provide some blood samples (up to 100ml) and urine samples (up to 50ml) at the beginning, and then again after one to two years, or if your cancer comes back.
What else is involved depends on your situation: * If you're having tests for possible high-risk prostate cancer, you'll provide three extra small tissue samples during your diagnostic biopsy. * If you have advanced prostate cancer and are having surgery, three extra tissue samples will be collected during your operation, and some lymph node tissue if a lymph node removal is part of your surgery. * If you have advanced prostate cancer and agree, you might have up to two extra biopsies purely for research. These biopsies would be taken from an area where your cancer has spread, and aren't part of your usual medical care.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS TrustCity onlyLondon, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is a 'secondary tumour'?
A secondary tumour is when prostate cancer cells break away from the main tumour and spread, growing in other parts of the body.
What does 'therapy-resistant' mean?
It means the cancer has become difficult to treat because it no longer responds to the medicines that used to work.
Will I receive new treatment in this study?
No, this study observes how standard treatments affect your cancer. It's not testing new medications or treatments.
What is an 'abscopal effect'?
This is a scientific term referring to how treating one part of the cancer might have an effect on other cancer areas in the body that weren't directly treated.
Who is funding this research?
This study is funded by Prostate Cancer UK, a charity dedicated to beating prostate cancer.
How to find out more
Tayla Perreau
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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