Prostate cancer screening for those with genetic risk
Official title: PATROL: Prostate Cancer Screening for People AT Genetic Risk FOr Aggressive Disease
Run by University of Washington · NCT04472338 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing how regular check-ups and sample collections can help find prostate cancer earlier in people with a genetic risk for aggressive forms of the disease.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years and up |
| Sex | Men only |
| Enrollment | 450 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Washington Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation |
| Locations | 8 sites (Duarte, California and 7 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 21, 2020 |
| Main results expected | August 31, 2030 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | May 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04472338 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are men aged 40 and older with documented germline pathogenic variants linked to prostate cancer risk.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have already been diagnosed with prostate cancer or have received cancer treatment within the past year may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study focuses on early detection of prostate cancer in individuals who have a genetic predisposition to aggressive forms of the disease. Participants will provide blood, urine, and tissue samples every 6-12 months, which will be analyzed to enhance understanding of prostate cancer genetics. The goal is to identify biomarkers that could lead to earlier diagnosis and improved treatment strategies over a period of up to three years.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to earlier detection of prostate cancer in high-risk individuals, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies focusing on genetic risk factors for cancer have shown promise, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * People with prostates ≥40 years of age * Documented germline pathogenic variant in known or suspected genes associated with prostate cancer risk. Exclusion Criteria: * Prior diagnosis of prostate cancer * Medical contraindication to any of the study procedures (e.g., prostate biopsy) * For all cancer types except non-melanoma skin cancer, any cancer treatment with curative intent within the past 12 months (e.g., surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy) * Prior or concurrent participation in an interventional clinical trial aimed at preventing cancer for people with germline variants associated with increased prostate cancer risk * Unable to provide written informed consent * Unable or unwilling to complete clinical care and study procedures as indicated by the study protocol.
Where it's running
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City of Hope
Duarte, California, United States Recruiting -
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, California, United States Recruiting -
Northwestern
Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting -
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting -
OHSU Knight Cancer Institute
Portland, Oregon, United States Recruiting -
University of Pennsylvania/Abramson Cancer Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Show 2 more locations
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Fred Hutch/University of Washington Cancer Consortium
Seattle, Washington, United States Recruiting -
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas, United States Terminated
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Heather H. Cheng, MD, PhD — Fred Hutch/University of Washington Cancer Consortium
- Study coordinator: Study Team Coordinator
- Email: patrol@uw.edu
- Phone: 206-210-4040
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Understanding NK Cell Function in Prostate Cancer Across Races
This study tests whether natural killer (NK) cells behave differently in prostate cancer patients of diverse racial backgrounds by analyzing blood and tissue samples.
-
MRI or CT planning to guide high-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy
This trial tests whether adding an MRI to CT-based treatment planning for HDR prostate brachytherapy changes urinary side effects in men with localized prostate cancer.
-
Targeted Early Detection for Men at High Genetic Risk for Prostate Cancer
This study tests urinary biomarkers and PSA to see if they can improve early detection for men with a strong family or genetic risk for prostate cancer.
-
Urine and MRI approach to find aggressive prostate cancer early
This study tests whether a urine test called MPS2, paired with MRI, can better detect aggressive prostate cancer in men 50–75 at risk, possibly reducing unnecessary biopsies.
-
GET FIT Together: a socially enhanced exercise program for older men with prostate cancer
This program tests whether adding structured social support to supervised online exercise reduces cancer-related loneliness and improves mental and physical health in men 65 and older who have had prostate cancer.
-
Improved MRI methods to distinguish benign from cancerous pelvic findings
This test tries new deep-learning image-processing methods on MRI scans to get clearer images faster for adults scanned for prostate screening or suspected endometriosis.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.