PS is using TUF funding to tackle the most deadly forms of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is at its most deadly when it spreads to the bones. When that happens, patients will be put on non-curative treatments, like chemotherapy and hormone therapy.
It’s been shown in previous research that surgery might improve survival if the cancer has spread to the bone. The problem with these prior studies is that the patients who go forward for surgery are the ones who are younger, fitter, and healthier, and so are more likely to do better anyway.
PS is hoping to prove that surgery is an option for men of all ages by performing a study with men between the ages of 55 and 75. He will randomise treatment for this group of men so that some receive hormones and others receive surgery on top of their hormones.
"At the moment, one man dies of prostate cancer every 45 minutes in the UK alone. The majority of these deaths are among men in whom the cancer has spread.
"If we can prove that surgery can stop or slow down the most deadly forms of prostate cancer, we could help millions of men with prostate cancer across the world. The results of this study are widely anticipated by urological and oncological societies worldwide, and it’s thanks to TUF that the UK leads this important work."
