Ablative Radiotherapy to Consolidate Maximal Systemic Response in Metastatic Prostate Cancer (ANCHOR-Prostate)
This study, called ANCHOR-Prostate, is for men with prostate cancer that has spread but is currently responding well to their usual medication. Researchers want to see if adding a special type of focused radiation, called Metastasis Directed Radiotherapy (MDRT), to the areas where the cancer has spread makes a difference. They'll compare this extra radiation to just continuing with standard care. The main goal is to find out if MDRT can help lower PSA levels further (below 0.2 ng/mL) and extend the time before the cancer gets worse. This is a Phase 2 study, meaning it's an earlier stage trial looking at how well a treatment works and its safety.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is called ANCHOR-Prostate and it’s for men who have prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of their body (metastatic prostate cancer). Crucially, the cancer must be responding well to their current hormone treatment. The study wants to explore whether adding a specific type of focused radiation, known as Metastasis Directed Radiotherapy (MDRT), to the spots where the cancer has spread, can improve long-term outcomes.
Currently, the standard treatment for this type of prostate cancer involves medication. This study will compare that standard care with adding MDRT. The researchers will look to see if this additional radiation helps to get the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level, which is a marker for prostate cancer, even lower (below 0.2 ng/mL) and keeps the cancer from growing for a longer period.
This is a 'real-world' study, meaning it’s designed to reflect how treatments are given in everyday clinical practice. It will help doctors understand if adding MDRT makes a meaningful difference for patients in terms of controlling their cancer and improving their quality of life.
Key takeaways
- This study compares standard care with adding focused radiation (MDRT) for advanced prostate cancer.
- It's for men whose prostate cancer is responding well to current hormone treatment.
- The goal is to see if MDRT helps lower PSA and keeps cancer away for longer.
- You would first need to be part of another study called PERa to be considered.
- This is a 'real-world' study, aiming to provide practical information for patient care.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for men who have prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Your cancer must be responding well to the hormone treatment you are receiving, meaning your PSA levels aren't rising. You also need to be fit enough for daily activities and the focused radiation should be a suitable option for where your cancer has spread.
Before you can be considered for this specific ANCHOR-Prostate study, you would first need to be part of another ongoing registry study called PERa. Your doctor would then assess if the focused radiation treatment is appropriate for your specific situation. This study is not for you if you are planning to have breaks in your hormone treatment or if you are scheduled for a specific type of radiation treatment called radio-ligand therapy.
Overall, the study is for adult men who have hormone-sensitive metastatic prostate cancer where the primary tumour has already been treated, or will be treated soon, and there’s no local recurrence.
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 a man with prostate cancer that has spread?
- Is your prostate cancer currently responding to your hormone treatment?
- Has the main prostate tumour already been treated, or will it be soon?
- Are you generally fit enough for daily activities?
- Is your doctor able to offer focused radiation (MDRT) for your specific cancer sites?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you'll continue with your usual hormone therapy. Half of the participants will also be offered focused radiation (MDRT) to the areas where their cancer has spread, as seen on scans. If your PSA level remains above 0.2 ng/mL after the first course of MDRT, you might have another scan and a second course of radiation.
You'll have regular follow-up appointments to check your PSA levels and monitor the cancer. This usually involves blood tests and sometimes scans. The study will track your health and treatment outcomes over time, but the specific duration will depend on your individual treatment plan and progress. Neither you nor your doctor will know whether you'll be offered the extra radiation until you are randomly selected.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- CRCHUMVerified postcodeMontreal, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What is 'metastatic prostate cancer'?
This means your prostate cancer has spread from your prostate to other parts of your body.
What does 'hormone-sensitive' mean?
It means your cancer responds well to treatments that lower male hormones, like testosterone.
What is 'MDRT'?
MDRT stands for Metastasis Directed Radiotherapy. It's a type of focused radiation therapy that targets specific areas where the cancer has spread.
What is a 'PSA level'?
PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) is a protein produced by prostate cells. A blood test measures its level, which can indicate prostate cancer activity.
Will I know if I'm getting the extra radiation?
Yes, if you are selected to receive the extra radiation, you and your doctor will be informed.
How to find out more
Mom Phat
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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