Monitoring Treatment Response With Urine and Serum Metabolome Markers in Patients Treated With Novel Hormone Therapy and Have Either Hormone Sensitive Metastatic Prostate Cancer or Disease Progression on Treatment.
This research study aims to find new, easier ways to monitor how men with advanced prostate cancer respond to their treatment. Many men with this type of cancer have it spread to their bones. Currently, tracking their condition can be complex. We're investigating if simple urine and blood tests can show early changes in the body that indicate if treatment is working or if the cancer is progressing. These tests look for tiny chemical markers in your body fluids. The goal is to develop more accurate and patient-friendly monitoring methods than current scans or standard blood tests, helping doctors make better decisions about care for men undergoing hormone therapy.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When prostate cancer spreads, especially to the bones, it's called metastatic prostate cancer. Doctors often treat this with hormone therapy. It's really important to know if the treatment is working well or if the cancer is changing over time. Currently, checking this often involves scans and regular blood tests, which can sometimes be difficult to do frequently.
This study is looking for a new, simpler way to monitor these changes. Our bodies are full of tiny chemical substances, called 'metabolites', which are involved in all our life processes. Prostate cancer, and the treatments for it, can cause subtle changes to these metabolites. We believe that by studying these changes in urine and blood, we might find very sensitive markers that tell us how the cancer is responding.
The main aim is to see if these special urine and blood tests can detect treatment response and progression more easily and accurately than our current methods. If successful, this could mean fewer complicated scans for patients and quicker, clearer information for doctors, helping them to adjust treatments more effectively.
Key takeaways
- Aims to find new urine and blood tests to track prostate cancer.
- Focuses on men with advanced prostate cancer on hormone therapy.
- Could lead to simpler and more accurate ways to monitor treatment.
- You would continue your existing treatment, no new drugs are given.
- Involves providing urine and blood samples at regular appointments.
- Helps improve care for future prostate cancer patients.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for men aged 18 or older who have been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. You might be suitable if your cancer is sensitive to hormone treatment, or if your cancer has started to progress while you are already on hormone therapy.
Key things for joining include having a confirmed diagnosis of metastatic prostate cancer and being on specific hormone treatments (like bicalutamide, LHRH, abiraterone, apalutamide, darolutamide or enzalutamide) or starting certain new ones for the study. You can still take part if you've had previous prostate surgery or radiotherapy, or if you're taking medication for other health conditions.
We are looking for different groups of patients, for example, those with specific types and amounts of cancer spread, or those who are experiencing cancer progression despite current treatment. Your doctor will help decide if this study is a good fit for you based on your individual health situation.
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 aged 18 or older?
- Do you have advanced prostate cancer that has spread?
- Are you currently on, or about to start, certain hormone therapies for prostate cancer?
- Are you willing to provide urine and blood samples at regular visits?
- Have you discussed this study with your doctor?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you'll be giving urine and blood samples at various times. You'll continue with your planned hormone therapy as usual, and any other medications you take will also continue. There won't be any new medication given as part of this research, beyond your standard care. The study will monitor changes in your body using the samples you provide. You'll have regular hospital visits, similar to what you'd expect for your standard care, where these samples will be collected. The total duration of your participation will depend on how long you remain on your treatment and how long your doctor feels it's important to monitor you for the study, but it will be over several months.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeLiverpool, United Kingdom
Common questions
What exactly are 'metabolites'?
Metabolites are tiny natural chemicals in your body that are involved in all your body's processes. This study looks at how they change with cancer and its treatment.
Will I receive new treatment in this study?
No, this study is about monitoring, not new treatments. You'll continue with your usual hormone therapy prescribed by your doctor.
How often will I need to give samples?
You'll provide urine and blood samples at scheduled visits, which will be discussed with you. These are usually timed around your regular hospital appointments.
What if my cancer gets worse during the study?
Your doctors will continue to monitor your cancer as part of your standard care. If your condition changes, they will adjust your treatment as needed, regardless of your participation in the study.
Is this study safe?
Yes, the study involves collecting samples and monitoring, which are generally safe procedures. Your standard medical care will always be a priority.
How to find out more
Isabel Syndikus
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.