Developing Raman spectroscopy as a diagnostic tool for prostate cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Developing Raman spectroscopy as a diagnostic tool for prostate cancer – A possible alternative to serum PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) testing and prostate biopsies
IRAS ID
308367
Contact name
Alison J Birtle
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed male cancer, with more than 52,000 new cases in the UK 2018/191. Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is a blood test used to help diagnose Prostate Cancer (PC). However, raised PSA is not specific for PC and may be due to a urine infection, ejaculation or exercise. If the PSA is high, an MRI scan of the prostate is carried out to check for an abnormal appearance. This is useful but can still miss important cancers especially in younger men (< 50 years) and where the cancer is located in certain areas of the prostate. MRI is followed by uncomfortable prostate biopsies, which carry a risk of severe infection and bleeding but may still miss significant cancers.
In this study, patients undergoing investigations for suspected PC are asked to provide a sample of blood, urine and saliva to explore new markers for PC. Raman spectroscopy (RS) is a powerful light-scattering technique that can analyse these samples, providing information on the proteins, fats and carbohydrates, as well as DNA and RNA in these samples. Changes occur in the levels of these with PC, and by identifying these differences, it should be possible to distinguish between cancer and non-cancer. We already know from other studies that this is possible to see on prostate samples with very good accuracy, but more work is needed to be able to use that information in the clinic to benefit patients quickly.
Patients will have their usual management with MRI, prostate biopsies, confirmation of cancer (or not) by a pathology doctor and with biopsy samples also analysed by RS. The results from blood, urine and saliva are compared between the men with and without PC. We hope this could lead to less invasive and more accurate diagnostic tests for PC.
REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/PR/1120
Date of REC Opinion
26 Jan 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion