Academic Urology Unit
Authors
David Dearnaley,Ros Eeles,Alan Horwich,Robert
Huddart,
Chris Parker
National Translational Cancer Research Network
The Royal Marsden is one of 10 cancer centres,
collaborating to provide a national lead in translational
research. |
 |
|
The Academic Urology Unit is participating in an NTRAC funded
study of serum proteomic analysis in men with early prostate
cancer on active surveillance. The aim is to identify serum
biomarkers of prostate cancer behaviour.
|
 |
Male Urological Cancer Research Centre
The unit provides prostate tissue specimens
linked to a comprehensive clinical database.
Samples are routinely collected for research
purposes at biopsy and at prostatectomy |
In collaboration with the Cancer Research UK Clinical
Magnetic Resonance Group at the ICR, we are studying the
prognostic role of functional MRI in men with early prostate
cancer on active surveillance
|
 |
|
The role of magnetic resonance imaging in radiotherapy
planning is being explored, funded by a NEAT (New and
Emerging Applications of Technology) grant from DoH. |
South West London Cancer Research Network
The SWLCRN integrates research with other NHS activities.
It serves a population of 1.75 million, and aims to improve
recruitment into clinical trials.
|
 |
|
Clinical trials in radiotherapy
A phase II dose escalation trial of Intensity Modulated
Radiotherapy (IMRT) is underway for men with locally advanced
prostate cancer at high risk of nodal involvement. We are
studying Hypofractionation, in comparison with conventional
dose-fractionation, in a
phase III study in men with localised disease. In a study
funded by NIH, we are evaluating the role of high activity
rhenium-186 HEDP against bone metastases. |
National phase III clinical trials
The unit recruited over 200 patients to the MRC RT01 trial
of radiotherapy dose escalation, which completed accrual in
2001. Ongoing phase III studies include the MRC PR07 study
of hormone treatment versus combined modality therapy in locally
advanced prostate cancer, and the MRC Intercontinental study
of intermittent versus continuous hormone therapy in men with
PSA failure after radiation.
|
 |
|
|
NCRN Prostate Cancer Clinical Studies Group
David Dearnaley chairs this group which co-ordinates
a nationwide strategy to develop and implement a
portfolio of clinical trials in prostate cancer. |
Cancer Research UK Centre for Cancer Therapeutics Novel
agents from the Drug Development Unit may enter initial clinical
investigations within the Urology Unit. A recent example is the
cytochrome P450 inhibitor, abiraterone.
Genetic predisposition to prostate cancer
Ros Eeles heads the familial genetics team, and has national and
global collaborations to identify prostate cancer predisposition
genes, and to study their interaction with environmental factors.
A trial of targeted screening is in progress, in men at increased
risk of prostate cancer.
|
