Research and clinical trials lead to advances in medicine. They help researchers to find better treatments and ways to improve your overall patient experience. Sometimes, a clinical trial is the only way to access a new treatment option, years before it is available to the public.

At Epworth, innovation is in our DNA. We performed the first robot assisted radical prostatectomy in Australia and continue to excel in prostate cancer surgery. We are proud to offer our prostate cancer patients every chance to access the latest developments. You have support from us at every step, in person and through telehealth for regional and interstate patients.

Taking part in a clinical trial, study or registry is voluntary and always your choice.

  • What is a clinical trial for prostate cancer?

    A clinical trial tests how safe and effective an intervention is. In medical terms, an intervention is something prescribed with the aim to improve health, such as a treatment or drug. It may also be a surgical method or exercise program.

    Clinical trials also test existing treatments for different diseases or in different doses. They compare the new intervention with existing options.

     
     
  • What is a research study for prostate cancer?

    A research study aims to answer important questions to improve prostate cancer care, including prevention, screening, diagnosis or patient experience. .

    Research studies are observational, rather than interventional like clinical trials. This means you don’t receive a treatment. Instead, a research study may ask you questions about your experiences, feelings or treatment side effects.

  • How can I join a trial or study?

    You can browse our active projects below or speak with the team to find out more. We welcome questions from you or your treating doctor on 03 9483 6035 or [email protected]

Active prostate cancer trials and research at Epworth

Listing updated: 15 June 2022

 
Prostate cancer stage
Study title
Basic criteria
Principal Investigator/Contact

Newly diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer M1a, M1b, M1c (TNM staging)

SIMCAP
Surgery in Metastatic
Carcinoma of Prostate. 
Phase 2.5 multi-institution randomized prospective clinical trial evaluating the impact of cytoreductive radical prostatectomy combined with best systemic therapy on oncologic and quality of life outcomes in men with newly diagnosed metastatic prostate

Exclusion:

  • Life expectancy of <6 months
  • Prior ADT for >6 months 
 
Prof Nathan Lawrentschuk

Low grade prostate cancer

CONFIRM

The Diagnostic Utility of PSMA PET/CT in Men with Newly Diagnosed Low-Grade Prostate Cancer with High-Risk Features, on Active Surveillance, Awaiting Confirmatory Biopsy

Inclusion:

  • GG2 Pca: amount of pattern 4 is <10%
  • GG1 (high volume)
  • GG1 (low volume but high PSA)
  • GG1: PIRADS 4 or 5 lesion on the MRI
 
Prof Nathan Lawrentschuk

High risk prostate cancer

PRIMORDIUM

A Randomized, Controlled, Multicenter, Open-label Study to Investigate the Efficacy and Safety of Adding Apalutamide to Radiotherapy and LHRH 
Agonist in High-Risk Patients with PSMA-PET-Positive Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer, with an Observational Follow-up of PSMA-PET Negative Patients

PSMA PET scan required at screening

Inclusion:

  • mandatory prior treatments: RP, LND

Exclusion

  • already received treatment for BCR
  • prior treatments: ADT, CYP17 inhibitors, AR antagonists.
 
A/Prof Arun Azad

DDR gene mutated Castration-sensitive prostate cancer

TALAPRO-3

Phase 3, randomized doubleblind study of talazoparib with enzalutamide versus placebo with enzalutamide in men with DDR gene mutated metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer

Prior treatments (allowed, but not mandatory):

  • docetaxel, 6 cycles
  • oestrogens
  • cyproterone acetate
  • 1st gen anti-androgens
  • ADT <6 months
  • Abiraterone + Prednisone,
  • apalutamide, or enzalutamide <3 months
A/Prof Arun Azad
mHSPCa or mCRPCa

IRONMAN

International Registry for Men with Advanced Prostate Cancer

Observational A/Prof Ben Tran
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Prostate cancer care at Epworth

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