Additional Treatments to the Local Tumour for Metastatic Prostate Cancer: Assessment of Novel Treatment Algorithms
This study, called ATLANTA, is for men newly diagnosed with prostate cancer that has spread (metastatic prostate cancer). It's a Phase II trial, meaning it's still in the earlier stages of research. Doctors want to see if adding treatments directly to the prostate gland, and sometimes to other areas where the cancer has spread, can improve how long patients live or how well they manage their cancer, compared to just receiving the standard treatments. These additional treatments might include surgery, radiotherapy, or less invasive procedures. The study aims to understand if these new approaches could be better options for patients in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When prostate cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it's called metastatic prostate cancer. Standard treatment usually involves medicines that work throughout the body to control the cancer. However, doctors are now exploring if treating the original tumour in the prostate, and other specific areas where the cancer has spread, in addition to these standard medicines, could lead to better results for patients.
This study, called ATLANTA, aims to find out if these additional treatments make a difference. It's designed to compare three groups of men: one group will receive only the standard treatments, and the other two groups will receive standard treatments plus extra procedures targeting the prostate itself. These extra procedures could be surgery (prostatectomy), radiotherapy (using radiation to kill cancer cells), or a less invasive method to destroy the tumour.
The main goal is to see if men who have these extra treatments live longer or have better control over their cancer. This research is important because it could help doctors understand if there are better ways to treat metastatic prostate cancer in the future, potentially improving the lives of many men.
Key takeaways
- The study explores adding direct treatments to the prostate for men with spreading prostate cancer.
- It compares standard care with standard care plus extra treatment to the prostate and sometimes other areas.
- Treatments include surgery, radiotherapy, or less invasive methods.
- It's an early-stage study (Phase II) aiming to improve future treatments.
- Participation involves being randomly assigned to a treatment group and long-term monitoring.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for men who have recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. You would need to have received your prostate cancer diagnosis within the last six months to be considered.
To join, you must be well enough to have both the standard cancer treatments and the extra treatments being tested in the study, such as surgery or radiotherapy to your prostate. This means a doctor needs to confirm you are fit for these procedures. You will also need to have had certain scans to confirm the cancer has spread and to get a clear picture of your prostate.
There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've already had long-term hormone therapy or chemotherapy for your prostate cancer (unless it was for a short time recently), or if you haven't had the necessary scans to confirm your cancer has spread.
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.
- Have you been diagnosed with prostate cancer that has spread in the last 6 months?
- Are you well enough for standard cancer treatments AND potentially surgery/radiotherapy to your prostate?
- Have you had the necessary scans (like CT, bone scan, prostate MRI) to confirm the spread of cancer?
- Have you NOT had long-term hormone therapy or chemotherapy for your prostate cancer previously (unless very recently)?
- Are you a male, aged 18 or older?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be randomly assigned to one of three groups. This means a computer will decide which treatment plan you follow, like flipping a coin, so it's fair. One group will receive the standard care for metastatic prostate cancer as decided by your doctor. The other two groups will receive this standard care plus additional treatments targeting your prostate or other specific areas where the cancer has spread. These additional treatments could include surgery, radiotherapy, or a less invasive procedure.
The study aims to follow participants for a long time to see the effects of these treatments. You will have regular appointments, scans, and blood tests to monitor your health and how the treatment is working. The exact number of visits and tests will depend on which treatment group you are in and what your doctors recommend, but the study team will explain everything in detail if you are eligible.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (21)
- Wirral University Teaching Hospital, Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeBirkenhead, United Kingdom
- Glan Clwyd HospitalVerified postcodeBodelwyddan, United Kingdom
- Darent Valley HospitalVerified postcodeDartford, United Kingdom
- Royal Devon and Exeter NHS TrustVerified postcodeExeter, United Kingdom
- Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS TrustVerified postcodeHigh Wycombe, United Kingdom
- West Middlesex University HospitalVerified postcodeIsleworth, United Kingdom
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kings LynnVerified postcodeKings Lynn, United Kingdom
- Chelsea and Westminster HospitalVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Chelsea Research CentreVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS TrustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom
- North Middlesex University HospitalVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom
- Northwick Park, London North West Healthcare NHS TrustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is 'metastatic prostate cancer'?
It means the prostate cancer has spread from the prostate gland to other parts of your body.
What is 'Standard of Care' treatment?
This is the usual, widely accepted treatment for your condition, which your doctor would typically recommend.
What is a 'Phase II' study?
It's an earlier stage of research where doctors are still primarily checking if a new treatment is safe and effective enough to warrant further larger studies.
Will I get to choose my treatment?
No, if you join, you'll be randomly assigned to one of the treatment groups, like drawing lots, to ensure the study is fair.
How long will I be in the study?
The study involves long-term follow-up to see how treatments affect patients over time, but your individual participation will be discussed with you.
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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