PROCARE - PROstate Cancer Real World Evidence Registry
This study, called PROCARE, is for men in the UK who have prostate cancer that has either recurred (come back) or spread to other parts of the body. It’s like keeping a detailed diary of their journey. The researchers want to understand how the disease develops over time and how different treatments work in real-world situations, rather than in a strict trial setting. They are looking at several groups of patients, including those whose cancer has returned after initial treatment, those whose cancer is no longer responding to hormone therapy but hasn't spread, and those whose cancer has spread. By collecting this information, doctors hope to gain better insights into prostate cancer and ultimately improve care for patients in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study, called PROCARE, is an important project looking at how prostate cancer affects men in their daily lives, especially when it has returned or spread. Imagine it like a long-term journal where doctors record important details about your treatment and how your cancer is behaving over many years. This isn't a study where you'll be given a new, untested drug; instead, the doctors will simply observe and record the treatments you're already receiving as part of your usual care. This helps them understand what works best in the real world.
The main goal is to gather lots of information from different groups of men with prostate cancer. This includes men whose cancer has shown signs of returning (like a rising PSA blood test result) after initial treatment, men whose cancer is no longer responding to standard hormone therapy but hasn't spread, and men whose cancer has spread to other parts of their body, whether or not they're receiving hormone therapy. By studying these different situations, the researchers hope to get a clearer picture of how prostate cancer progresses and how different treatments impact patients' health and quality of life.
Collecting this 'real-world' information is really valuable. It helps doctors learn more about the everyday experiences of patients with prostate cancer. This understanding can lead to better treatment plans and support for men in the future, helping to improve their care and quality of life. The study aims to make sure that the care provided is based on the best possible information about what truly helps patients.
Key takeaways
- It's a study looking at real-life experiences of men with prostate cancer.
- No new medicines are given; standard NHS care continues.
- Information is collected over a long period to understand disease progression.
- Helps improve future prostate cancer care for others.
- Involves answering questionnaires and routine data collection at regular appointments.
- You can stop participating at any time.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for adult men aged 18 or over who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Specifically, they are interested in men whose cancer has returned after previous treatment (like surgery or radiotherapy), or whose cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
You might be suitable to join if your doctor has told you your cancer either: shows signs of returning after initial treatment; is no longer controlled by hormone therapy but hasn't spread; has spread to other parts of your body and is still responding to hormone therapy; or has spread to other parts of your body and is no longer responding to hormone therapy.
Important points are that you must be starting a new kind of treatment for your cancer, or have started one recently (within the last 4 weeks). Also, if your cancer has returned, you shouldn't be suitable for further local treatments like more surgery or radiotherapy, or you might have decided against them. You should also be well enough to take part and able to understand and sign a consent form.
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 or older?
- Do you have prostate cancer that has come back or spread?
- Are you about to start a new prostate cancer treatment, or have you recently started one (within 4 weeks)?
- Have you been told further local treatments for recurrence aren't suitable, or have you decided against them?
- Are you able and willing to sign a consent form?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you won't be given any new or experimental medicines. Instead, your doctors will carry on with your usual prostate cancer care as they normally would. The main thing that changes is that they will carefully record information about your health, your cancer, and the treatments you're receiving at your regular clinic visits.
This will involve documenting your condition and treatment during normal appointments, typically when you start the study, and then every 3 or 6 months, or whenever your treatment plan changes. You'll also be asked to complete some standard questionnaires about your quality of life, which help the researchers understand how your condition and treatment affect your daily living. In some cases, biological samples (like blood or tissue) might also be collected, but only during routine procedures. The total length of your participation will be long-term, following your cancer journey over many years.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (53)
- Universitätsklinikum FreiburgVerified postcodeFreiburg im Breisgau, Germany· Recruiting
- National Center for Tumor Dieseases (NCT) HeidelbergVerified postcodeHeidelberg, Germany· Recruiting
- University Hospital MannheimVerified postcodeMannheim, Germany· Recruiting
- Medical Office for Urology NürtingenVerified postcodeNürtingen, Germany· Recruiting
- Studienpraxis UrologieVerified postcodeNürtingen, Germany· Recruiting
- University Hospital TübingenVerified postcodeTübingen, Germany· Recruiting
- University Hospital UlmVerified postcodeUlm, Germany· Recruiting
- University Hospital AugsburgVerified postcodeAugsburg, Germany· Recruiting
- University Hospital AugsburgVerified postcodeAugsburg, Germany· Recruiting
- Hospital Bayreuth GmbHVerified postcodeBayreuth, Germany· Recruiting
- University Hospital ErlangenVerified postcodeErlangen, Germany· Recruiting
- Hospital KemptenVerified postcodeKempten (Allgäu), Germany· Recruiting
Common questions
Will I receive new medicine in this study?
No, this study only observes and records the treatments you're already receiving as part of your standard care. You won't be given any experimental medicines.
How long will I be in the study?
This is a long-term study, so your information will be collected over many years to track the long-term course of your prostate cancer and treatment.
What kind of information will be collected?
Doctors will record details about your cancer, your treatments, and regular updates on your health. You'll also fill out questionnaires about your quality of life, and sometimes routine samples may be collected.
Do I have to do anything extra between visits?
No, you'll only provide information and complete questionnaires during your regular clinic appointments. There's nothing extra to do at home.
Can I leave the study at any time?
Yes, you are completely free to leave the study at any point, and your decision will not affect the medical care you receive.
How to find out more
Andrea Rößler, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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