CUBRIC MRI Study of the prostate
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Microstructure-characterisation of the prostate using efficient diffusion-relaxometry MRI framework with ultra-strong gradients.
IRAS ID
300727
Contact name
Derek Jones
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cardiff University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in men with around 47,000 men diagnosed each year in the UK. Currently suspected prostate cancer is investigated by clinical examination, prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing and trans-rectal ultrasound (TRUS) biopsy and multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI).
The mpMRI is used to detect prostate tumours non-invasively, to guide a biopsy for confirmation of cancer and assess for local spread of disease. However, data from the PROMIS clinical trial suggests that up to 24% of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) is not detected with current mpMRI methods. These data highlight the importance of improving the detection of csPCa in order to improve outcome in men with suspected prostate cancer.
The study will use a more advanced MRI scanner to image the prostate gland. The MRI scanner is called the Siemens 3T Connectom scanner and it is installed in the Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC). The study aims to assess if this scanner can improve the detection of Prostate Cancer.
The study will recruit 40 men who have proven prostate cancer who are undertaking active surveillance which means that they have not had any active treatment for their cancer. They will be recruited from men attending a clinic appointment for follow up of their prostate cancer at the University Hospital of Wales Cardiff. Another 10 men without prostate cancer will be recruited from men attending the urology clinic for reasons other than investigation of prostate cancer. They will have a normal PSA reading.
Once they haven had time to consider the study and give their informed consent, participants will undergo a series of MRI scans at CUBRIC in one session lasting approximately 1 hour. The research team at the University Hospital of Wales will provide clinical data to the research team at CUBRIC.REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/EM/0284
Date of REC Opinion
31 Jan 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion