Using synthetic networks to detect prostate cancer biomarkers

Development of Synthetic Metabolic and Genetic Networks for the Detection of Urogenital Cancers

Observational University Hospital, Montpellier · NCT04518072

This study is testing a new way to find prostate cancer markers in blood and urine samples from men who might have the disease, using advanced technology to improve diagnosis.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment250 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexMale
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Montpellier Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Montpellier, Hérault and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04518072 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to analyze various biomarkers in blood and urine samples from men suspected of having prostate cancer. Researchers will engineer synthetic metabolic and genetic networks to enhance the detection of these biomarkers, utilizing a novel hybrid analogue/digital approach with bacterial and paper-based biosensors. The study will involve a comparative analysis of 250 samples to evaluate the effectiveness of this innovative diagnostic method. The goal is to improve decision-making in diagnosing prostate cancer through advanced biosensing techniques.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include men over 18 who are undergoing evaluation for prostate disease or have a positive or negative PSA blood result.

Not a fit: Patients with current prostatic or urinary infections or those with a history of treatment for prostate cancer may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more accurate and efficient diagnostics for prostate cancer, potentially improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using synthetic metabolic pathways for biosensing is novel, similar studies have shown promise in biomarker detection, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Men aged over 18
* Informed, written consent of the patient for the biological collection
* Subject affiliated to a French social security scheme or beneficiary of such a scheme

Patients specific inclusion criteria :

- Admitted to care prostate disease or suspicion of prostate cancer and with a positive or negative PSA blood result

Controls specific inclusion criteria :

- Man free from all prostate or bladder pathologies

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient under legal protection
* Persons deprived of their liberty, protected adults or vulnerable persons
* Participants may withdraw their consent at any time and for any reason whatsoever without incurring any negative consequences without change in their usual care

Controls specific non-inclusion criteria :

* Patient with current prostatic or urinary infection
* History of treatment for prostate cancer other than surveillance management

Where this trial is running

Montpellier, Hérault and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions ProstateCancermarker detectionblood sample
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.