RecruitingInterventional

Partial prostate Ablation versus Radical Treatment (PART): Comparing partial ablation of the prostate to treatment or removal of the whole prostate in men with localised cancer of one side of the prostate only

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men across the UK. Standard NHS care usually treats the entire prostate gland using surgery or radiotherapy. While effective, treating the whole gland can sometimes cause lasting urinary, bowel, or erection problems. The PART study is exploring a newer approach called partial ablation. This technique uses targeted heat or short electrical pulses to destroy only the cancerous area, leaving healthy prostate tissue alone. The main aim is to see whether treating just the tumour controls intermediate-risk prostate cancer as well as whole-prostate treatment, but with fewer unwanted side effects. Men who take part are randomly assigned to receive either standard whole-prostate treatment or targeted partial treatment. Everyone has regular check-ups, PSA blood tests, and fills in questionnaires about their recovery and wellbeing for between one and five years.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

306

Start

01 Mar 2023

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2027

Prostate cancer

What is this study about?

The prostate is a small gland found only in men, sitting just below the bladder. Prostate cancer is common, and when it is caught before spreading, doctors usually advise treating the entire prostate gland. This is called 'radical treatment' and includes surgery to remove the gland, or radiotherapy to treat it with radiation. These treatments are very successful at curing cancer, but because the whole gland is treated, nearby nerves and tissues can be damaged. This can lead to long-term problems, such as leaking urine or difficulty getting an erection.

In many men, cancer is found in only one part of the prostate. The PART study aims to find out if doctors can safely treat just the diseased section rather than the whole gland. This approach is called 'partial ablation'. In this study, doctors use one of two modern techniques: focused ultrasound (HIFU), which uses heat waves to destroy cancer cells, or irreversible electroporation (IRE), which uses tiny electrical pulses to break down tumour cells while protecting nearby healthy tissue.

Partial treatment is already known to cause fewer side effects in men with early, low-risk cancer. The PART trial is testing whether it is also effective for men with 'intermediate-risk' cancer—men who would normally be advised to have their entire prostate treated. By directly comparing both methods, researchers hope to give future patients clearer choices about balancing cancer control with everyday quality of life.

Key takeaways

The PART trial compares targeted partial prostate treatment with standard whole-prostate treatment.
It aims to see if treating just the tumour controls intermediate-risk cancer while causing fewer side effects.
Participants are randomly assigned to either partial ablation (ultrasound/electric pulses) or radical treatment (surgery/radiotherapy).
Men with intermediate-risk cancer contained mainly on one side of the prostate may be eligible.
Follow-up lasts between one and five years and involves regular PSA blood tests, scans, and health questionnaires.

Who may be eligible?

This trial is open to men aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with localised, intermediate-risk prostate cancer. 'Localised' means the cancer is contained within the prostate gland and has not spread elsewhere. The cancer must mainly be located on one side of the gland, or in a central area that doctors can safely treat with targeted therapy.

To join, you must have had a recent prostate MRI scan and prostate biopsies (tissue samples) within the last six months confirming intermediate-risk cancer. Your recent PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test result must also be 20 ng/ml or lower.

You must be medically fit and suitable to receive both types of treatment: standard whole-prostate therapy (surgery, external radiotherapy, or internal brachytherapy) and targeted partial therapy. Because the trial involves reading information sheets and answering surveys about your health, you also need to be able to understand English.

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.

I am a man aged 18 or older.
I have been diagnosed with intermediate-risk prostate cancer that has not spread outside the gland.
My cancer is mainly on one side of the prostate or in a single area suitable for targeted treatment.
My most recent PSA blood test score was 20 ng/ml or lower.
I have had an MRI scan and a prostate biopsy within the last six months.
I am willing and medically fit to have either whole-prostate treatment or partial treatment.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you agree to join the trial, a computer will randomly place you into one of two treatment groups: standard radical treatment (surgery or radiotherapy to the whole prostate) or partial ablation (targeted treatment to just the cancer using ultrasound or electric pulses). You and your doctor will discuss which specific procedure within your allocated group is best for your tumour.

After your treatment, you will attend regular NHS hospital check-ups to monitor your recovery and make sure the cancer is controlled. All participants have a PSA blood test at six weeks, every three months for the first 18 months, at two years, and then once a year. If you receive partial ablation, you will also have an MRI scan one week after treatment, followed by check-up MRI scans and biopsies at six months, one year, and up to three years.

At various points, you will be asked to fill in quality-of-life questionnaires about your daily health, including questions about your bladder, bowel, and sexual function. These take about 30 minutes to complete. Depending on when you enter the study, you will be followed up for between one and five years.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part may not directly benefit you, as researchers do not yet know if partial treatment controls cancer as well as whole-prostate treatment over the long term. However, if you receive partial treatment, you may have a lower risk of common side effects like bladder leakage and sexual difficulties. Every treatment carries potential risks and side effects, which your clinical team will explain in detail before you decide. Men in the partial ablation group will also need additional MRI scans and biopsies to check the remaining prostate tissue. Radiotherapy involves low levels of radiation, which is part of standard NHS care. Joining the trial is entirely voluntary; you can withdraw at any time without giving a reason, and your regular NHS medical care will continue as normal.

Locations (11)

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Oxford, England
Churchill Hospital
Approximate
Oxford, England
University College London Hospital
City only
London, England
Imperial College London
Approximate
London, England
Royal Berkshire Hospital
Approximate
Reading, England
Kent and Canterbury Hospital
Unverified
Canterbury, England
Western General Hospital
Unverified
Lothian, Scotland
Wexham Park Hospital
Unverified
Slough, England
University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire
Unverified
Coventry, England
Barts Health NHS Trust
Unverified
London, England
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Unverified
Leeds, England

Common questions

Can I choose whether I get partial treatment or standard whole-prostate treatment?

No. A computer randomly assigns you to a group with an equal 50/50 chance. This ensures the study results are fair and reliable. You should only join if you are comfortable receiving either treatment.

How does partial ablation destroy the cancer?

It uses either high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to destroy cancer cells using pinpoint heat, or irreversible electroporation (IRE) to destroy cells with tiny electrical pulses, leaving surrounding healthy tissue undamaged.

What happens if the cancer comes back after partial treatment?

You will be monitored very closely with regular PSA tests and scans. If your cancer shows signs of returning or growing, your medical team will discuss further treatment options with you, including whole-prostate surgery or radiotherapy.

Why do the questionnaires ask personal questions about sex and urination?

Prostate treatments can affect bladder control and erections. Understanding how these treatments impact your personal wellbeing helps doctors and future patients understand the true trade-off between cancer control and side effects.

Will taking part cost me anything?

No. The treatments and check-ups are carried out within the NHS. You will receive dedicated support from a research nurse throughout your time on the trial.

How to find out more

Jo Cook

part-trial@nds.ox.ac.uk +44 (0)1865 617 975 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.