Developing LAMP testing as a diagnostic tool for prostate cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Rapid Detection of Prostate Cancer Markers using Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification – Shining light on the prostate cancer pathway
IRAS ID
351456
Contact name
Alison Birtle
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
A case controlled pilot study of patients undergoing investigations for suspected Prostate Cancer (PC). Participants are asked to provide a sample of blood, urine and saliva to explore new markers for PC. Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) is a form of molecular analysis that is fast gaining traction in both the medical and veterinary worlds. It relies on the accurate identification of a gene sequence that codes for the causative agent of an infection or the gene sequence within a particular cancer or genetic condition. Preliminary work with LAMP has already identified potential prostate cancer related targets that may be useful, including PCA3 which may aid earlier diagnostics and AR variant 7, known to be an indicator of worse prognosis. This is a proof-of-concept study to identify three key prostate gene sequences within biofluids and compare with patients who are cancer free. Using LAMP it should be possible to distinguish between cancer and non-cancer as well as offer further prognostic information.
Patients will have their usual management with MRI, prostate biopsies, confirmation of cancer (or not) by a pathology doctor. We hope this could lead to less invasive and more accurate diagnostic tests for PC.REC name
East of England - Cambridge South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/EE/0228
Date of REC Opinion
17 Oct 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion