Srikala Sridhar, MD, MSc, FRCPC

Epigenetic analysis in prostate cancer

Study Status: Active

Study Purpose: One way of detecting changes in prostate cancer tumours is to do blood tests. These tests look for DNA that is shed by the tumour into the blood. The purpose of this study is to determine if this blood test can eventually be used to help decide which treatment is the best individual choice for patients with advanced prostate cancer. This study may also lead to larger studies of this kind in future.

Background: Prostate Cancer is the most common type of cancer among Canadian men. Many prostate cancers come back and spread after the first treatment, commonly to the bone or lymph nodes. This is called metastasis. Current treatments of metastatic prostate cancer may slow disease growth, but they are not a cure. It is important to better understand which treatments would be best for which patients. This will improve prostate cancer treatments in future.

Study Methods: A single blood sample is taken from participants at their healthcare appointment before starting a new treatment for their prostate cancer. Participants’ medical records are also accessed to collect health information related to current and past prostate cancer treatments.

Health Conditions: Cancer