QUB clinical trial shows improved survival for advanced prostate cancer

  • A clinical trial led by Queen’s University Belfast has shown how a new combination of radiotherapies has improved the treatment of very advanced prostrate cancer in men.

    It has demonstrated excellent tolerability in patients in slowing the progression of prostate cancer which has spread to the bones, potentially improving overall survival.

    Lead researcher on the project was Professor Joe O’Sullivan, who specialises in Radiation Oncology at Queen's University.

    He said that “this is the first trial of its kind anywhere in the world."

    RELATED: Ulster University pioneers tech research into treatment of prostate cancer

    Men with advanced prostate cancer account for around 10% of all prostate cancer patients at diagnosis.

    Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK. More than 47,500 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year – 129 men every day. In Northern Ireland, approximately 276 men die from the disease every year.

    Men with advanced prostate cancer are normally treated with hormone therapy, which aims to shrink a tumour by limiting the amount of testosterone reaching the cancer cells.

    This new approach was the first to combine two existing forms of radiotherapy - Radium 223, an intravenous, bone-seeking radioactive drug which targets the prostate cancer in the bones, and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) (very high-tech Radiotherapy) to target prostate cancer cells in the prostate gland and pelvic lymph nodes.

    RELATED: Belfast tech firm to deliver AI cancer screenings across NHS

    To conduct the trial, 30 patients aged between 40 and 80 received this new combined therapy over the past four years.

    David Livingstone, a patient who took part in the clinical trial was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in 2016. It had spread to his bones and lymph nodes.

    "My PSA level was 3495, one of the highest ever seen," said David. "I was given six months to a year to live so the future looked pretty grim.

    “I was invited to join the research programme led by Professor Joe O’Sullivan. It involved 37 sessions of radiotherapy and six months of Radium injections. After the first few sessions I started to feel weak, and my energy levels dropped considerably.

    RELATED: Belfast ovarian cancer medtech secures £300k funding

    "I have a hormone implant every 12 weeks, and a calcium infusion to help strengthen my bones. Over five years on, with other medication which I take every day, I can now enjoy a pretty normal life. Although I’ve low energy and am limited to what I can do; without this breakthrough, I simply would not be here today.

    “I have seen my two daughters get married and have been able to spend quality time with my grandchildren. To put my faith in the hands of Professor O’Sullivan and his team was the only way forward for me. There’s no doubt that without this vital research, I wouldn’t have had the extended life beyond what was originally diagnosed.”

    The research was conducted by the Academic Prostate Cancer Team at the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, designed in partnership with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. It was funded by Movember, Prostate Cancer UK and Friends of the Cancer Centre.

    It will now be taken forward in a large, randomized trial with a greater number of patients with the aim of testing this treatment schedule against the current standard of care.

    About the author

    Niamh is a Sync NI writer with a previous background of working in FinTech and financial crime. She has a special interest in sports and emerging technologies. To connect with Niamh, feel free to send her an email or connect on Twitter.

    Got a news-related tip you’d like to see covered on Sync NI? Email the editorial team for our consideration.

    Sign up now for a FREE weekly newsletter showcasing the latest news, jobs and events in NI’s tech sector.

Share this story