Rapid AssessMent of prostAte caNcer - RAMAN Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An evaluation of Raman Spectroscopy for the diagnosis and risk stratification of prostate cancer
IRAS ID
236129
Contact name
Bassey Ndiyo
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Exeter
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 24 days
Research summary
Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in men in the United Kingdom (UK). This disease condition accounts for over 42,000 new cases diagnosed each year.
Following the advent of Prostate Specific Antigen in the 1980s, most prostate cancers have been diagnosed early. While there is no national screening program for prostate cancer in the UK. The National institute for Health and care excellence (NICE) recommends a free PSA test for men over 50 years who are aware of the risk and benefits of having the test. Despite the potential benefits of this test, there are also some risks associated with it. A false negative PSA test can give a false reassurance; also a false positive PSA test can cause unnecessary anxiety.
A Raman spectrum provides the molecular fingerprint of a sample and further provides quantitative data concerning its chemical composition. This powerful technique has the ability to determine subtle changes at molecular level, which change with disease. This can be utilized for diagnostic and prognostic purposes.
The aim of this study is to measure tiny volumes (1-2 ul) of blood plasma with Raman spectroscopy. Biomarkers measured in the spectra will be correlated with the PSA and the stage and grade of disease found. The objective is to provide a method for more accurate prediction of the presence and progression of prostate cancer than PSA. This would enable blood sample triage of patients into at risk groups for further investigation. The next phase of this research will involve assessment of prostate core biopsy samples for risk stratification.
Previous studies have shown that molecular changes associated with disease can be probed in tissues and bodily fluids using this approach. This is the first study that we are aware of to explore this approach for identification of blood markers for prostate cancer, enabling its potential future use for rapid patient triage.REC name
London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/0135
Date of REC Opinion
26 Feb 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion