RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Patient and Provider Perspectives on Genetic Risk Profiling

This study is looking into what patients and healthcare providers think about using genetic tests to understand a man's risk of getting prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is common in the UK, and these genetic tests can show if someone has a higher, average, or lower risk. This information could help guide how we screen for and manage the condition, making care more personal. The study will involve interviews to explore people's views on the benefits, problems, and needs related to these tests. The goal is to gather information that can help improve future research and how doctors use these tests in practice.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

01 May 2026

Estimated completion

31 Aug 2027

Prostate Cancer

What is this study about?

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK. We know that a person's genes play a big part in their risk of getting it. At the moment, there aren't standard guidelines in the UK for checking prostate cancer risk or for screening everyone.

Genetic risk profiling is a type of test that looks at a person's genes to work out if they have a higher, average, or lower chance of developing prostate cancer. This information could be very helpful. For example, men at higher risk might need more regular check-ups, while those at lower risk might avoid unnecessary tests. It could also help doctors suggest the best treatments, ways to prevent the disease, or discuss family planning options, making healthcare more personal and tailored to each individual.

However, even with these potential benefits, there are questions about how ready we are to use genetic risk profiling in everyday healthcare. We don't yet have clear guidelines on what to do with the results, and we need more research to understand how best to use this information. This study aims to talk to both patients who have had these genetic tests and the healthcare providers who explain the results. We want to hear their experiences, thoughts, and any concerns they might have about using genetic risk profiling in standard care. The information we gather will help shape future research and how this type of testing might be used in clinics.

Key takeaways

This study explores opinions on genetic tests for prostate cancer risk.
It aims to understand what patients and doctors think about these tests.
The goal is to improve how genetic information is used in healthcare.
Participation involves a single, confidential interview.
The findings could help create better guidelines for prostate cancer screening and care.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be a man aged 18 or older. You must also have already had a genetic risk test for prostate cancer and received your results. The study is interested in hearing from people from different backgrounds, including various ages and ethnic groups, and those with different risk levels (higher, average, or lower).

Healthcare providers can also join if they have previously given out results from a prostate cancer genetic risk test to patients.

However, you won't be able to join if you're under 18, or if you're not able to understand and agree to take part. Also, if your health isn't good or you have certain medical conditions that might make taking part difficult, the researchers might decide it's not 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 male and aged 18 or over?
Have you already had a genetic test for prostate cancer and received your results?
Are you able to understand information and agree to take part?
Are you a healthcare provider who has given out prostate cancer genetic test results?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will be asked to do one interview. This interview will be a conversation where you can share your thoughts and experiences about genetic risk profiling for prostate cancer. You can choose to have this interview at the Royal Marsden Hospital, either in Chelsea or Sutton. Alternatively, you can do it from your own home via a video call or a telephone call, whatever is most convenient for you. This interview will be a one-off event, meaning you won't need to come back for multiple appointments, and there are no medications or special assessments involved. The exact length of the interview will be explained to you, but it's designed to be manageable.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study offers the benefit of sharing your experiences, which could help shape future research and how genetic tests for prostate cancer are used in healthcare. There are no direct medical benefits to you from participating, as this study is about gathering opinions, not providing treatment. There are no physical risks involved, as it only involves an interview. However, discussing your health and genetic information might bring up personal feelings. You are free to stop the interview at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your care.

Locations (1)

The Royal Marsden Hospital (Sutton and Chelsea)
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is genetic risk profiling?

It's a test that looks at your genes to tell you if you have a higher, average, or lower chance of getting prostate cancer.

Why is this study important?

It helps us understand what patients and doctors think about using these tests in regular healthcare, which can improve future care and guidelines.

Do I need to take any medicine or have tests?

No, this study only involves having a conversation (an interview) about your experiences and views.

Where will the interview take place?

You can choose to have it at the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea or Sutton, or from home via video or phone call.

Who is paying for this research?

The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity is funding this research.

How to find out more

Tarryn Shaw, MSc

tarryn.shaw@rmh.nhs.uk 020 8661 3375 Official trial record

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