Analyzing circulating tumor cells in localized prostate cancer patients undergoing surgery
Circulating Tumor Cell Analysis in Patients With Localized Prostate Cancer Undergoing Prostatectomy
This study is testing a way to find cancer cells in the blood of men with localized prostate cancer who are about to have surgery, to see how the cancer is behaving and how well the treatment is working.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT01961713 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to evaluate a method for detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood of patients with localized prostate cancer who are scheduled for prostatectomy. By collecting blood samples at various time points before and after surgery, the study will analyze the presence and quantity of CTCs to assess tumor status and treatment response. The study leverages existing knowledge that tumors shed CTCs into the bloodstream, potentially providing insights into the cancer's behavior without the need for invasive biopsies.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include males aged 18 and older with a confirmed diagnosis of non-metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma who are planning to undergo radical prostatectomy.
Not a fit: Patients with metastatic prostate cancer or those who have received prior treatments for prostate cancer may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-invasive method to monitor prostate cancer progression and treatment response.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using circulating tumor cells for cancer monitoring, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male * 18 years of age or older * Pathologically confirmed diagnosis of prostate adenocarcinoma * Non-metastatic prostate cancer * Planned radical prostatectomy at Massachusetts General Hospital Exclusion Criteria: * Patients must not have received prior radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or other medical therapy for prostate cancer prior to prostatectomy. Post-prostatectomy therapy at the discretion of the patient's treating physician(s) is allowed. * Patients must not have metastatic prostate cancer * No prior or current diagnosis of epithelial malignancy, except for skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma)
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Massachsuetts General Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Richard J. Lee, MD, PhD — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Richard J Lee, MD, PhD
- Phone: 617-724-4000
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.