RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Needle Localization During Prostate Brachytherapy Using Power Doppler Ultrasound

This study aims to make prostate brachytherapy more accurate for men with prostate cancer. Brachytherapy involves placing tiny radioactive seeds directly into the prostate tumour. Currently, doctors use standard ultrasound to guide these needles. In this study, we're trying a new method where a small device makes the needle vibrate. We'll then use a special type of ultrasound called Power Doppler to see if these vibrations show up clearly, helping doctors pinpoint the needle's exact position within the prostate. The goal is to see if this new approach can help guide the treatment more precisely, potentially improving the effectiveness of brachytherapy for focal tumours.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Western University, Canada

Enrolment target

Start

04 Mar 2020

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2025

Prostate Cancer

What is this study about?

This research is looking for men with prostate cancer who are already having a specific type of radiation treatment called brachytherapy. Brachytherapy involves placing tiny radioactive sources directly inside the prostate gland to treat the cancer. This is usually done using a standard ultrasound scan to help guide the needles into the right place.

In this study, we're trying to make this process even more accurate. We'll be using a small, vibrating tool that touches the end of the brachytherapy needle. At the same time, we'll use a special type of ultrasound called Power Doppler. We believe that the vibrations from the needle will show up very clearly on the Power Doppler ultrasound. This could make it much easier for doctors to see exactly where the needle is inside the prostate, helping them place the radioactive sources more precisely where they need to be.

The main idea is to see if this new method of visualising the needle can improve the accuracy of brachytherapy. By guiding the needles more precisely, we hope to make the treatment more effective for men with focal prostate tumours. This study will help us understand if this new technique is a helpful step forward in treating prostate cancer.

Key takeaways

This study explores a new way to guide needles during prostate brachytherapy.
It uses a vibrating needle and a special ultrasound (Power Doppler) to improve accuracy.
Participation happens during your standard brachytherapy treatment.
No extra appointments or medication are required.
Aims to make prostate cancer treatment more precise for future patients.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a man, aged 18 or older, and willing to give your written permission to take part. You must have prostate cancer that has been confirmed by a previous biopsy.

Crucially, you should also be planned to have a type of treatment called high-dose-rate brachytherapy for your prostate cancer, and agree to have this as part of your standard care.

You cannot take part in this study if you have had radiation treatment to your prostate before.

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 prostate cancer confirmed by a biopsy?
Are you scheduled for high-dose-rate brachytherapy as your treatment?
Have you not had radiotherapy to your prostate before?
Are you happy to sign a consent form to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, it will be during your planned brachytherapy treatment for prostate cancer. You will receive your standard brachytherapy treatment as usual. The only additional step will be the use of a small vibrating device on the brachytherapy needle and the special Power Doppler ultrasound during your procedure. This is not expected to add extra time to your treatment. There are no additional visits, medication, or follow-up required specifically for this study beyond what is already planned for your brachytherapy care. The total duration of your involvement will be limited to the time of your brachytherapy procedure.

Potential risks and benefits

There is no direct personal benefit to you from taking part in this study, as it's primarily to see if a new technique works. However, your participation could help improve brachytherapy for future patients. The main risk is that using the vibrating tool and Power Doppler ultrasound might slightly extend the time of your brachytherapy procedure, but this is expected to be minimal. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Victoria Hospital
Verified postcode
London, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is prostate brachytherapy?

It's a type of radiation therapy where tiny radioactive 'seeds' or sources are placed directly inside the prostate gland to kill cancer cells.

What is a 'focal tumour'?

A focal tumour means the cancer is contained within a small, specific area of the prostate gland, rather than being spread widely.

How is this different from my usual treatment?

You will still receive your standard brachytherapy. The difference is that researchers will use a special vibrating tool on the needle and a different type of ultrasound (Power Doppler) to see if it helps guide the needle better.

Will taking part involve extra appointments?

No, your participation will only happen during your planned brachytherapy procedure. There are no extra hospital visits or follow-up appointments solely for this study.

Will this new method hurt?

The vibrating tool is very small and used on the needle itself, which is inserted under anaesthesia. It should not cause any additional pain or discomfort beyond what you would normally experience with brachytherapy.

How to find out more

Aaron Fenster

afenster@uwo.ca 5199315777 Official trial record

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