ProtecT Study (Prostate testing for cancer and Treatment)
Prostate cancer is a serious health problem. There are 35,000 new cases every year in the UK, and around 10,000 deaths (http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/cancerstats/types/prostate/). The ProtecT study is a research project taking place in nine parts of the UK (Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Leeds, Leicester, Newcastle and Sheffield).
The study aims to evaluate treatments for localised prostate cancer. It is comparing Surgery (radical prostatectomy), Radiotherapy (radical conformal) and Active Monitoring (monitoring with regular check-ups). We do not know enough about the outcome of each of the treatments above to be able to advise men which treatment to have.
The ProtecT study is a randomised controlled trial (RCT). This means that in the ProtecT study we discuss with participants whether they are willing to have their treatment decided by a process called randomisation. Randomisation means that they have an equal chance of having any of the three treatments. This produces comparable groups of patients and provides data of the highest scientific quality. In the study, we will be investigating general health, quality of life, prostate cancer development, treatment outcome, length of life, and cost implications. The study was open for recruitment from 2001-2008, but follow-up is ongoing and will continue for 10-15 years.
Principal Investigators:
- Professor Jenny Donovan, Head of Department, Department of Social Medicine, University of Bristol
- Professor Freddie Hamdy, Head of Nuffield Department of Surgery, University of Oxford
- Professor David Neal, Professor of Surgical Oncology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge
Trial Coordinator:
- Dr Athene Lane, Senior Research Fellow, Department of Social Medicine, University of Bristol
Potential Collaborators:
We welcome collaboration from potential investigators provided that any new studies relate to the field or urological research.
If you would like to use ProtecT Study data to undertake a new research study, please complete the PROPOSED ALLIED STUDY USING PROTECT DATA proforma as the means to seek approval from the ProtecT study PI's.
To use ProtecT Study data in the writing of a paper or article, please complete the PROPOSED PUBLICATION USING PROTECT DATA proforma. This will also be sent to the ProtecT PI's and must be obtained prior to any release of data. Please note that any data would be anonymised prior to release.
Map showing the study centres.
© Crown Copyright. All rights reserved [2006].
ProtecT study centres:
The ProtecT study is funded by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme. Ethical approval has been given by Trent Multi-centre Research Ethics Committee.
ISRCTN20141297