RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Investigation of Three Biomarkers for the Detection of Prostate Cancer

This study is investigating new blood tests for prostate cancer. Currently, the PSA blood test is used, but it can sometimes give false alarms, leading to unnecessary and uncomfortable biopsies for many men. Researchers at GlycoScore Dx Limited have found three new markers, called glycoproteins, which might help identify prostate cancer more accurately. By combining these new markers with each other, and potentially with the existing PSA test, they hope to develop a better and more reliable test. This could help doctors better distinguish between aggressive cancers that need treatment and less serious ones that don't, reducing the need for biopsies. Men participating are already undergoing checks for suspected prostate cancer or are on active watch for a diagnosed cancer.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Medtechtomarket Consulting Ltd

Enrolment target

137

Start

07 Jan 2025

Estimated completion

07 Mar 2026

Cancer of Prostate

What is this study about?

Prostate cancer is a very common cancer in men, and finding the best way to diagnose and manage it is incredibly important. At the moment, a blood test called PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is often used to check for prostate cancer. However, the PSA test isn't perfect. Sometimes, a high PSA level doesn't actually mean you have cancer, leading many men to undergo uncomfortable biopsies that turn out to be unnecessary. These biopsies can be painful, have risks like infection, and put a strain on both the individual and the healthcare system.

This new study aims to find a better way to detect prostate cancer. A company called GlycoScore Dx Limited has found three new markers in the blood that they believe could help. They want to see if these new markers, either alone or combined with the current PSA test, can more accurately identify men who have prostate cancer, especially the types that need treatment. The goal is to develop a more reliable test that can help doctors tell the difference between aggressive cancers that need quick action and slower-growing cancers that might just need careful watching.

The researchers will be looking at blood samples from men who are already having checks for suspected prostate cancer or those who are on 'active surveillance' – meaning they have prostate cancer but are carefully monitored rather than treated immediately. By studying these samples, they hope to figure out if their new markers can be a game-changer, reducing the need for unnecessary biopsies and helping men get the right diagnosis and treatment sooner.

Key takeaways

This study is looking for better blood tests for prostate cancer.
It aims to reduce unnecessary biopsies caused by current tests.
Participation involves giving an extra blood sample during an existing hospital visit.
There are no new treatments or medicines given in this study.
The results could help many men get better diagnoses in the future.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a male aged 18 or older. You should either be visiting the hospital's Urology department because your doctor suspects you might have prostate cancer, or you're already diagnosed with prostate cancer and are currently on 'active surveillance' (meaning your doctors are watching it closely).

There are a few reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've already taken part in this specific study, you won't be able to join again. Also, if you have an active urinary infection or if you've been diagnosed with any other type of cancer or are currently receiving cancer treatment, you wouldn't be suitable for this study. If you're involved in another study testing a new medicine in the last four months, that would also prevent your participation.

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 18 years old or older?
Are you currently being checked for suspected prostate cancer OR are you on active surveillance for prostate cancer?
Do you NOT have an active urinary infection?
Have you NOT been diagnosed with any other cancer or received cancer treatment recently?
Have you NOT been in another study testing a new medicine in the last 4 months?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in this study is quite straightforward because it's 'non-interventional'. This means you won't be given any new medicines or treatments as part of the study. You will continue with your regular appointments and care as planned by your doctors. The main thing involved is providing a blood sample. This will happen when you're already at the hospital for a transperineal biopsy, which is a procedure where doctors take small tissue samples from your prostate to check for cancer. So, you'll be having a blood draw at the same time as an appointment you already have scheduled. There are no additional hospital visits or follow-up appointments specifically for this study. Your participation simply helps researchers gather important information from your blood sample.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefits of this study are for future patients rather than directly for you. If successful, the new blood test could help many men avoid unnecessary prostate biopsies and receive more accurate diagnoses for prostate cancer in the future. As this study only involves taking a standard blood sample at an appointment you already have, the risks to you are very low, similar to any routine blood test (a small bruise, mild discomfort). You are completely free to decide if you want to take part without affecting your medical care, and you can withdraw from the study at any time without needing to give a reason.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Royal Liverpool University Hospital
Verified postcode
Liverpool, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate gland, a small gland in men located below the bladder.

What is a biomarker?

A biomarker is a special substance in your body that can indicate if you have a disease or how well your body responds to treatment. In this study, they're looking at specific proteins in the blood.

What does 'non-interventional study' mean?

It means you won't be given any new treatments or medicines. Researchers will simply collect information (like a blood sample) from your routine care.

Will I get my results from this study?

The study aims to develop a new test for the future. You won't receive individual results from the tests done on your blood sample in this research.

What is 'active surveillance'?

Active surveillance is when doctors closely monitor prostate cancer (with regular tests) instead of treating it immediately, often for slower-growing cancers.

How to find out more

Rebecca Newman, BSc

rebecca.newman@medtechtomarket.com 07595 298 248 Official trial record

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