COMBINED PSMA-PET/CT AND MRI STAGING IN INTERMEDIATE AND HIGH-RISK PATIENTS PROSTATA-CANCER (COMBINE-P)
The COMBINE-P study is investigating whether combining two types of advanced scans, PSMA-PET/CT and MRI, can give doctors a clearer picture of prostate cancer in men. Researchers want to see if these combined scans can better pinpoint where the cancer is inside the prostate, how much it has spread locally, and identify any affected lymph nodes, compared to traditional methods. This study focuses on men with medium or high-risk prostate cancer who have already had these scans and then underwent surgery to remove their prostate. The aim is to see if these detailed scans can act like a 'digital biopsy' to help doctors make more informed decisions about treatment, potentially leading to more personalised care for patients in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study, called COMBINE-P, is looking at men who have already had prostate cancer surgery and, before that, underwent two specific types of advanced scans: a PSMA-PET/CT scan and an MRI scan. The researchers want to compare the information from these scans with what was actually found when the prostate was removed and examined under a microscope. This helps them understand how accurate the scans are.
Specifically, they are trying to find out three main things: how well these scans can pinpoint exactly where the cancer is inside the prostate, how accurately they show if the cancer has started to spread within the local area, and if they can identify any nearby lymph nodes that might contain cancer cells. They are focusing on men whose prostate cancer is considered `intermediate` (medium) or `high-risk` based on initial tests.
The overall goal is to see if combining these detailed scans can give doctors a much better 'picture' of the cancer before treatment. This could help them make more precise plans, for example, by guiding surgery to remove only the necessary tissue and spare healthy nerves if possible, or by helping decide if lymph nodes need to be removed. Ultimately, this research aims to improve how doctors diagnose and treat prostate cancer, leading to better, more personalised care for men.
Key takeaways
- This study is comparing two types of detailed scans (PSMA-PET/CT and MRI) for prostate cancer.
- It's focused on men with intermediate or high-risk prostate cancer.
- The goal is to see how accurately these combined scans show the cancer's location and spread.
- Researchers are looking back at information from men who have already had these scans and prostate removal surgery.
- The aim is to improve future diagnosis and treatment planning for prostate cancer patients.
- This is a 'retrospective' study, meaning no new tests or treatments are involved for participants.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking back at records of men who have already received treatment. To be included, you would have needed to be a man between 45 and 80 years old at the time of your treatment.
You would have also had prostate cancer that was considered either 'intermediate-risk' or 'high-risk'. Crucially, you would have already undergone surgery to remove your prostate, and before that surgery, you would have had both a special MRI scan and a PSMA-PET/CT scan.
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 between 45 and 80?
- Did you have intermediate or high-risk prostate cancer?
- Did you undergo surgery to remove your prostate?
- Before your surgery, did you have both a multiparametric MRI and a PSMA-PET/CT scan?
What does participation involve?
Please note that this is a retrospective study, which means it looks back at existing medical records and information from patients who have already completed their treatment and scans. You wouldn't be asked to undergo any new tests, procedures, or take any new medications. You also wouldn't have any specific study-related visits or follow-up appointments from this trial itself. Your past medical information, including your scan results and details from your prostate removal surgery, would be used by researchers to compare different findings.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (10)
- Medical University ViennaVerified postcodeVienna, Austria
- KU LeuvenVerified postcodeLeuven, Belgium
- University Hospital DüsseldorfVerified postcodeDüsseldorf, Germany
- Marienhospital HerneVerified postcodeHerne, Germany
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University MunichVerified postcodeMunich, Germany
- University Hospital TübingenVerified postcodeTübingen, Germany
- Fortis HospitalVerified postcodeKolkata, India
- San Raffaele University Hospital MilanVerified postcodeMilan, Italy
- Lund University HospitalVerified postcodeLund, Sweden
- University Hospital BernVerified postcodeBern, Switzerland
Common questions
What is 'intermediate-risk' or 'high-risk' prostate cancer?
This refers to how likely the cancer is to grow or spread, based on tests like PSA levels, Gleason score (how aggressive the cells look), and local tumour size.
What is a PSMA-PET/CT scan?
It's a special type of scan that uses a tiny amount of a radioactive tracer to highlight prostate cancer cells, helping doctors see where they are in the body.
What is an MRI scan?
MRI uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of organs and structures inside your body, like the prostate.
What is 'radical prostatectomy'?
This is a surgical operation to remove the entire prostate gland and sometimes nearby lymph nodes to treat prostate cancer.
How can combining scans help?
By using information from both types of scans, doctors hope to get a more complete and accurate picture of the cancer, which could help them plan the best treatment.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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