RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

The Active Surveillance Study

This study, called The Active Surveillance Study, is looking into prostate cancer in men who are using an approach called Active Surveillance. Active Surveillance means carefully watching the cancer rather than treating it straight away. Researchers want to understand how different genes and certain markers in the body (found in blood, urine, or other samples) are linked to how prostate cancer develops and changes in these men. The study will compare men who have a known higher genetic risk for prostate cancer with those who don't. By looking at medical records, scans, blood tests, and other samples, they hope to learn more about how genetics might influence the cancer's behaviour. This information could help doctors better predict how a man's prostate cancer might behave in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Institute of Cancer Research, United Kingdom

Enrolment target

200

Start

22 Aug 2023

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2027

Prostate Cancer

What is this study about?

Imagine you have prostate cancer that's not serious enough for immediate treatment, so your doctors are keeping a close eye on it – this is called Active Surveillance. This study wants to understand more about why some men's cancer stays quiet and others' might become more active. They're particularly interested in how your genetics (the information you inherit from your parents) and certain signs in your body, called biomarkers, play a role.

Researchers will look at men who are already on Active Surveillance. They'll pay close attention to your medical history, like previous PSA test results (a blood test for prostate health) and scans. They'll compare men who have a known higher genetic risk for prostate cancer with those who don't. This comparison will help them see if there are differences in how their cancer develops. They also plan to collect samples of things like blood, urine, and even stool or saliva, to look for specific biomarkers. These biomarkers are like clues that could tell doctors more about your cancer.

The main goal is to find connections between your genetic background, these biomarkers, and how your prostate cancer behaves over time. This research is important because it could eventually help doctors make more informed decisions about who is best suited for Active Surveillance, and perhaps even predict which men might need treatment later on. Ultimately, this could lead to more personalised and effective care for men with prostate cancer.

Key takeaways

This study focuses on men with prostate cancer undergoing Active Surveillance.
It investigates how genetic factors and body markers relate to cancer changes.
Compares men with and without a higher genetic risk for prostate cancer.
Involves reviewing medical records and providing blood, urine, or other samples.
Aims to improve understanding of prostate cancer for better future care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for men aged 18 or over who have prostate cancer and are already being carefully watched under Active Surveillance by their doctors. Your doctors must have agreed that Active Surveillance is the right approach for you.

They are interested in two main groups of men: those who have a known higher genetic risk for prostate cancer, and those who don't. You might be considered at higher genetic risk if you have several close relatives who had prostate cancer, especially at a younger age. This also includes men of Black African or Black African-Caribbean background, or those with specific genetic changes known to increase cancer risk.

It's important that you are generally well and able to attend appointments. You won't be able to join if you don't have a prostate cancer diagnosis, or if your doctors believe Active Surveillance isn't the best option for you. Also, if you have any significant mental health conditions that could be made worse by taking part, you wouldn't be suitable.

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 prostate cancer and are currently on Active Surveillance?
Has your doctor agreed that Active Surveillance is right for you?
Are you generally well and able to attend appointments?
Do you have a known higher genetic risk for prostate cancer (e.g., family history, specific background, or gene changes) OR no known higher genetic risk?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the study will mainly involve reviewing your existing medical information, such as your PSA test results and scan reports, that you're already having as part of your Active Surveillance. You will continue to have your regular check-ups and appointments as planned by your doctors.

In addition, the researchers plan to collect new body samples from you, such as blood, urine, stool, or saliva. These samples will be used to look for specific markers related to prostate cancer and your genetics. You won't be given any new medication as part of this study. The study will continue as long as you are on Active Surveillance, and your involvement will fit around your existing medical care. The length of time you participate will depend on how long you remain on Active Surveillance.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might not directly benefit you personally, but the information gained could help doctors better understand prostate cancer and improve care for others in the future. The main 'risk' is the time and effort involved in giving additional samples like blood or urine; these procedures carry very small risks, such as a slight bruise from a blood test. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (4)

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

Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden Hospital
Verified postcode
Sutton, United Kingdom· Recruiting
North Bristol NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Bristol, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
The Royal Marsden Hospital
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting
The Royal Marsden Hospital
Verified postcode
Sutton, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is Active Surveillance?

Active Surveillance means carefully watching your prostate cancer with regular tests rather than treating it straight away, because it's considered low-risk.

Why do you need my genetic information?

Researchers want to see if certain genes you inherit are linked to how your prostate cancer develops while on Active Surveillance.

What are biomarkers?

Biomarkers are signs in your body, found in samples like blood or urine, that can give doctors clues about your health or your cancer.

Will I have to take any new medicines?

No, this study does not involve taking any new medicines. Your current medical care for prostate cancer will continue as normal.

Where is this study taking place?

Patients will be identified through urology clinics at the Royal Marsden Hospital and North Bristol NHS Trust.

How to find out more

Eva McGrowder, PhD

eva.mcgrowder@icr.ac.uk 02087224483 Official trial record

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