Long-Term Follow-Up for Prostate Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of long-term follow-up for prostate cancer patients after surgery. The follow-up includes a health check and education plan starting one year post-surgery. It seeks to understand the long-term effects on quality of life and to support future health interventions. Men who underwent prostate cancer surgery at City of Hope, are at least a year post-surgery, and have stable disease without cancer recurrence may be suitable candidates. The study excludes those with a history of other urologic cancers or those currently undergoing certain hormone therapies. As an unphased study, this trial offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance future patient care.
Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot be on testosterone replacement or androgen deprivation therapy.
What prior data suggests that this long-term follow-up is safe for prostate cancer patients?
Research has shown that long-term follow-up for prostate cancer patients is generally safe. Studies have examined patients' health for many years after surgery. Some results indicate a higher chance of urinary or sexual problems post-surgery. Specifically, one study found that the risk of these issues was more than seven times higher for those who had surgery compared to others.
However, the long-term follow-up itself, which includes regular health check-ups and education, does not introduce any new risks. Instead, it helps track and manage existing health problems. Thus, participating in a long-term follow-up program is considered safe and well-tolerated.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the long-term follow-up protocol for prostate cancer because it offers a comprehensive approach to survivorship care that isn't typically part of standard treatment. Unlike current options that focus primarily on initial treatment and recovery, this protocol emphasizes ongoing health evaluation and education starting one year after surgery. By providing patients with a written survivorship care plan, it empowers them to take charge of their long-term health, potentially improving outcomes and quality of life. This proactive, personalized care strategy marks a significant shift from the traditional focus on immediate post-surgical care.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for prostate cancer?
Research has shown that regular long-term check-ups are crucial for prostate cancer survivors. These check-ups detect any returning cancer and manage side effects, while also improving patients' quality of life. Survival rates for prostate cancer are very high, with 98% of patients living at least 10 years and 95% living at least 15 years. This highlights the need to understand survivors' needs. In this trial, participants will undergo long-term follow-up and receive a written survivorship care plan, which personalizes and focuses follow-up care on the patient. Although the exact benefits of survivorship care plans are still under study, they are designed to enhance the overall care experience for survivors.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Saro Armenian, DO
Principal Investigator
City of Hope Medical Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for prostate cancer survivors who had surgery at least a year ago, are currently free of cancer or have stable disease, and haven't had radiation or chemo for prostate cancer. Men with other urologic cancers or those on hormone therapies can't join.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Post-Surgery
Participants undergo definitive surgical therapy for prostate cancer
Long-term Follow-up
Participants receive a written survivorship care plan including comprehensive health evaluation and health education beginning 1 year post surgery
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Educational Intervention
- Laboratory Biomarker Analysis
- Long-term Follow-up
- Quality-of-Life Assessment
- Questionnaire Administration
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
City of Hope Medical Center
Lead Sponsor
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborator