Trans and Non-binary Prostate-Specific Antigen Reference Interval Determination Study
The TransPRIDE study is examining the PSA blood test, which helps check for prostate problems, including cancer. We know anyone with a prostate, including trans women and some non-binary people, can get prostate cancer. Hormone treatments or certain surgeries can affect PSA levels, but we don't currently know what typical PSA levels are for this group. This study will involve 500 trans women and non-binary people aged 40 or over who are on hormones or have had specific surgeries. They will have their PSA re-checked after six months. Understanding these normal levels will help doctors find and treat prostate cancer faster for trans women and non-binary people.
At a glance
What is this study about?
You might have heard of the PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test. It's a common test that helps doctors check the health of the prostate gland. The prostate is a small gland found in the pelvis. It's present in all men assigned male at birth, including cisgender men, trans women, and some non-binary people. Anyone with a prostate can develop prostate cancer, and early detection is key to successful treatment.
For cisgender men, doctors have a good understanding of what typical PSA levels should be based on age and other factors. However, for trans women and non-binary people who have prostates, things are a bit different. Hormones (like oestrogen) and certain surgeries can affect how much PSA is in the blood. This means the 'normal' PSA levels that health professionals usually refer to might not be accurate for this group. Because of this, it can sometimes be harder for doctors to know if a PSA test result is cause for concern or if it's within a healthy range.
That's where the TransPRIDE study comes in. This important research aims to find out what healthy PSA levels look like for trans women and non-binary people with prostates. By collecting this information from 500 participants, the study hopes to create a more accurate guide for doctors. This improved understanding will help doctors interpret PSA results more accurately, leading to faster and better diagnosis of prostate cancer for trans women and non-binary people.
Key takeaways
- The study aims to understand normal PSA levels for trans women and non-binary people.
- This knowledge will help doctors diagnose prostate cancer earlier.
- Participation involves blood tests and a follow-up after 6 months.
- You must be 40 or over and meet specific criteria related to gender-affirming care.
- Your involvement helps improve future healthcare for your community.
- You can withdraw from the study at any time.
Who may be eligible?
The study is looking for volunteers who are aged 40 or older. To be considered, you must identify as transgender or non-binary, meaning your gender identity is different from the sex you were given at birth. You also need to have a prostate gland.
In addition to these points, you must also meet at least one of these criteria: you've been taking oestrogen or anti-androgen hormones for at least three months, or you've had a specific surgery called a bilateral orchidectomy (where both testes are removed) at any point in the past. You also need to be eligible for treatment through the NHS.
There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join the study. These include if you've ever had prostate cancer, prostate surgery, or radiation therapy to your prostate. If you've had certain other conditions or procedures recently, such as particular infections, other prostate problems, or specific surgeries (like vaginoplasty within the last year, or orchidectomy/vulvoplasty within the last three months), you might not be able to take part. Researchers will also check if you can fully understand and agree to participate in the study.
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 40 years old or older?
- Do you identify as transgender or non-binary?
- Do you have a prostate gland?
- Have you been on oestrogen or anti-androgen hormones for at least 3 months, or had a bilateral orchidectomy?
- Are you eligible for NHS treatment?
- Have you *never* had prostate cancer or prostate surgery?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in the TransPRIDE study, your involvement will be fairly straightforward. You'll be asked to have a blood test to check your PSA levels initially. The researchers will then check in with you again after six months to see how you're doing and potentially repeat some assessments. If your PSA levels are found to be higher than expected during the study, the research team may recommend that you have further tests with your own doctor. The total time you would be involved in the study would be approximately six months, with at least two contact points.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Ambrose King Centre, Barts Health NHS TrustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is a PSA test?
A PSA test is a blood test that measures the Prostate-Specific Antigen, a substance made by the prostate. It helps doctors check for prostate problems, including cancer.
Who can get prostate cancer?
Anyone with a prostate gland can get prostate cancer, including cisgender men, trans women, and some non-binary people.
Why is this study important?
It's important because hormones and surgeries can affect PSA levels in trans women and non-binary people. This study will help doctors understand what 'normal' levels are for this group, leading to better cancer detection.
Will taking part affect my regular medical care?
No, taking part in this study will not affect the medical care you receive from your own doctors.
What if my PSA is high during the study?
If your PSA level is high, the study team may recommend you have more tests with your own doctor to investigate further.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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