Prostate Cancer Trials in Canada

What Are Prostate Cancer Canada Clinical Trials?

Prostate cancer starts in the prostate gland cells, which are only found in males, where the cancerous malignant tumor consists of cancer cells that can grow into nearby tissue and destroy it. The tumor can also metastasize into other body parts. The gland is responsible for making some of the fluid that is a part of semen.

There are multiple types of prostate cancer, but adenocarcinomas are the most common. It accounts for 95% of all prostate cancers. Prostate cancer grows slowly and can be removed entirely or managed if diagnosed early. Many prostate cancer clinical trials focus on identifying new drugs for treatment.

Why Is Prostate Cancer Canada Being Studied Through Clinical Trials?

Prostate cancer is the 4th most common cancer in Canada, with 1 in 9 Canadian men expected to be diagnosed in their lifetime. Prostate cancer is often caused due to family history, aging, racial or cultural background, or inherited gene mutations. The older the man gets, the higher the chances of getting prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer can spread to other body parts, such as your bladder, or travel through your bloodstream or lymphatic system to your bones or other organs. If not diagnosed early, management becomes challenging.

What Are The Types of Treatments Available For Prostate Cancer in Canada?

There are multiple treatment options available for prostate cancer. For each patient, a specific healthcare plan will be developed based on their type and stage of cancer, grade, personal preference, and risk levels. Patients can opt for surgery, prostatectomy, or radiation therapy.

Doctors who think your prostate cancer won’t proliferate recommend expectant management. This can be performed through active surveillance by closely monitoring the prostate cancer by performing prostate specific antigen (PSA) tests and prostate biopsies regularly. Cancer will only be treated if it causes symptoms or grows.

What Are Some Recent Breakthrough Clinical Trials For Prostate Cancer Canada?

2017: Diagnosis and Treatment - this study concludes that the emergence of biomarkers, functional imaging, and magnetic resonance are optimal for prostate cancer diagnosis. Moreover, initial treatment with chemotherapy can improve survival compared with androgen deprivation therapy. Abiraterone, enzalutamide, and other agents can improve outcomes in men with metastatic prostate cancer resistant to traditional hormonal therapy.

2018: Recent Advances In Treatment And Drug Discovery - this study concludes that identifying molecular biomarkers greatly aids in selecting the drug sequence and combination for prostate cancer treatment. In addition, a classification system based on genome-wide transcriptome profiles has emerged in recent years. It will help support treatment choices for early- and late-stage diseases.

Who Are Some Of The Key Opinion Leaders / Researchers / Institutions Conducting Prostate Cancer Canada Clinical Trial Research?

Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Consortium (PCCTC)

The Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Consortium (PCCTC) is a clinical research group sponsored by the (PCRP). They design, implement, and complete process-driven clinical trials, translating scientific discoveries to improved standards of care.