An estimated 19 in every 1,000 men will die of prostate cancer each year. This results in an estimated 12,000 deaths in the United Kingdom, over 30,000 in the United States, and more on a global scale. Prostate cancer also disproportionately affects African-American men and Caribbean men of African background.
However, with early detection and treatment, prostate cancer has a high survival rate. Accurate screening methods play a crucial role in this process. Nadeem Badshah, in The Guardian, quotes Dr. Matthew Hobbs of Prostate Cancer UK as saying that prior studies showed that ineffective screening methods caused unnecessary harm to men, leading to biopsies that were not necessary or treatment that did more harm than good. By identifying better and more effective screening methods, physicians and researchers can contribute to community benefit.
The TRANSFORM Trial
The TRANSFORM trial, the largest prostate cancer screening trial in two decades, will explore the current diagnostic processes implemented by the NHS: blood tests, biopsies, physical exams. By screening patients using these diagnostic methods, and identifying definitive evidence suggesting the most promising screening measures, researchers could reduce the risk of death and mortality rates associated with prostate cancer. Altogether, researchers believe these results could reduce mortality rates by up to 40%.
The trial will be split into two distinct phases. In the first portion of the trial, 12,500 men will enroll. During this portion, participants will undergo blood testing, Prostagram screening, and genetic testing to identify if these methods are more effective than current measures from the NHS. Its second phase, which will enroll 300,000 men, will evaluate the most effective screening measures for phase one. Study data should be available by 2027.
About Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostate gland—part of the reproductive system in people assigned male at birth (AMAB)—grow out of control. It is one of the most common forms of cancer. Risk factors include older age, having a family history of prostate cancer, having Lynch syndrome, smoking, Agent Orange exposure, and obesity. Prostate cancer is easiest to treat in early stages, so early diagnosis is crucial. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and focal therapy, among others.
Prostate cancer may show signs and symptoms including painful ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, fecal and urinary incontinence, painful urination, a frequent or urgent need to urinate that worsens at night, bloody semen or urine, unintended weight loss, and lower back, hip, or chest pain. Learn more about prostate cancer here.
If you have prostate cancer, you are not alone. The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) offers multiple support groups to connect you with others who understand.
Editor’s Note: Get Involved
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cancer clinical trial oncology prostate cancer research
Last modified: June 6, 2024
