RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Imperial Prostate 7 - Prostate Assessment Using Comparative Interventions - Fast Mri and Image-fusion for Cancer

This study, called "Imperial Prostate 7," is exploring better ways to diagnose prostate cancer in the UK. Researchers are comparing two types of MRI scans: a shorter one (biparametric MRI) that doesn't use a special dye, and the longer, standard one that does. They want to find out if the shorter scan is just as good at spotting important prostate cancers. They're also looking at two ways to take tissue samples (biopsies). One method uses computer guidance to target suspicious areas, while the other relies on the doctor viewing the scan images and deciding where to sample. The goal is to see which biopsy method is more accurate. The results of this large study will help the NHS decide on the best future methods for diagnosing prostate cancer.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Imperial College London

Enrolment target

3,600

Start

02 Nov 2022

Estimated completion

31 Jan 2026

Prostate Cancer Adenocarcinoma Prostatic Neoplasms Prostatic Diseases Neoplasms

What is this study about?

This study aims to make diagnosing prostate cancer more accurate and possibly simpler. If your doctor thinks you might have prostate cancer, they might recommend an MRI scan. If that scan shows something concerning, you'd then typically have a biopsy, where small tissue samples are taken to check for cancer cells.

Currently, the NHS mostly uses a longer MRI scan that takes about 30-40 minutes and involves injecting a special dye. This dye is generally safe, but its use makes the scan longer. This study is investigating a shorter MRI scan that takes only 15-20 minutes and doesn't use this dye. Many smaller studies have suggested this shorter scan might be just as good at finding important cancers, and this larger study wants to confirm that so it could potentially be used more widely in the NHS.

The study also looks at how biopsies are performed after a suspicious MRI. One way is where the doctor looks at the MRI images and guides the biopsy needle based on their judgment. The other way uses special computer software to combine the MRI images with a live ultrasound, helping the doctor target the suspicious areas more precisely. The researchers want to discover if this computer-guided method is better at finding important cancers than the more traditional approach.

Key takeaways

The study compares a shorter MRI scan with the standard longer one for finding prostate cancer.
It also compares two ways of guiding prostate biopsies: visually and with computer assistance.
The goal is to find better, possibly simpler, ways to diagnose prostate cancer for the NHS.
Participation involves MRI scans and potentially a biopsy.
This research aims to improve future prostate cancer diagnosis.
You have the right to withdraw from the study at any point.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to join this study if you are 18 years old or older and have a prostate. This includes men and trans women who haven't had hormone treatment for prostate cancer in the past.

You would typically be referred by your GP for a prostate MRI scan because either your doctor found something unusual during an examination, or your PSA blood test level was high. There are specific PSA level cut-offs depending on your age and if you have a family history of prostate cancer.

However, you wouldn't be able to join if your PSA level is very high (over 50), you've had a prostate MRI or biopsy in the last two years, or you've already been diagnosed with prostate cancer. You also can't join if you have medical reasons why you can't have an MRI scan, the special dye used in some scans, or a biopsy.

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 18 years old or older?
Do you have a prostate (e.g., cis-male or trans-female without prior hormone treatment for prostate cancer)?
Have you been advised to have a prostate MRI due to an abnormal exam or high PSA?
Have you NOT had a prostate MRI or biopsy in the last two years?
Have you NOT been previously diagnosed with prostate cancer?
Do you have no known reasons why you can't have an MRI or a prostate biopsy?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, you will first have a prostate MRI scan. If this scan shows a suspicious area, you would then be asked to have a prostate biopsy. The study involves you being randomly chosen for either the usual MRI or the shorter one, and then later, if needed, for one of the two biopsy methods. This means you won't choose which type you get. You'll have follow-up appointments to check on your health and the results of your tests. The total duration of your participation would depend on your individual pathway, but it involves the initial scans and any necessary biopsies and follow-up.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part might help us learn more about better ways to diagnose prostate cancer, which could benefit future patients. You would also receive careful monitoring and assessment. As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks with MRI scans, although generally very safe, and with biopsies, such as discomfort, bleeding, or infection. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (15)

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

Southend University Hospital
Verified postcode
Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom· Recruiting
University Hospital Southampton
Verified postcode
Southampton, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Medway Maritime Hospital
Verified postcode
Gillingham, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
Basingstoke Hospital
Verified postcode
Basingstoke, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Southmead Hospital
Verified postcode
Bristol, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Addenbrooke Hospital, Cambridge
Verified postcode
Cambridge, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Cumberland Infirmary
Verified postcode
Carlisle, United Kingdom· Recruiting
St Peters Hospital
Verified postcode
Chertsey, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Darent valley Hospital
Verified postcode
Dartford, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Northwick Park Hospital
Verified postcode
Harrow, United Kingdom· Recruiting
St James's Hospital, Leeds
Verified postcode
Leeds, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Charing Cross Hospial
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is PSA?

PSA stands for Prostate-Specific Antigen. It's a protein made by the prostate gland. A blood test measures its level, which can sometimes suggest prostate problems, including cancer.

What is a biopsy?

A biopsy is a medical procedure where a doctor takes very small tissue samples from an area of concern, in this case, the prostate. These samples are then examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells.

What is an MRI?

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It's a type of scan that uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of organs and tissues inside your body, like the prostate.

What is 'clinically significant prostate cancer'?

This refers to prostate cancer that is more likely to grow and spread, meaning it would likely need treatment. Not all prostate cancers are 'clinically significant'; some grow so slowly they may never cause problems.

Will I know which type of scan or biopsy I get?

Yes, your doctors will tell you which type of MRI scan and biopsy technique you will receive as part of the study. You will be randomly assigned to one type for comparison reasons.

How to find out more

Hashim Ahmed

hashim.ahmed@imperial.ac.uk 0203 311 1673 Official trial record

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