SPCG17: Prostate Cancer Active Surveillance Trigger Trial

This study is looking for men who have recently (within the last year) been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Your cancer should be considered low-risk, meaning it's confined to the prostate and isn't too aggressive. Your doctor will look at specific details from your biopsy, like the Gleason score, and your PSA blood test results to determine if your cancer fits these criteria.

It's important that you are generally healthy and expected to live for at least another 10 years, as this study involves long-term monitoring. You also need to be well enough to have curative treatment, such as surgery or radiation, if your cancer does show signs of progressing while you're on active surveillance. Finally, you'll need to understand what the study involves and agree to take part by signing a consent form.

If you join this study, you'll be randomly assigned to one of two groups, like flipping a coin. You won't get to choose which group you're in. Both groups will have regular check-ups: a PSA blood test every six months, a full clinical examination (including a PSA test) once a year, and an MRI scan every two years. The main difference between the groups is what 'triggers' (or signals) lead to repeat biopsies and, if necessary, the start of more active treatment.

One group will follow the usual practice of their local hospital for when to do repeat biopsies and consider treatment. The other group will follow a new set of clear, specific guidelines for these decisions. This means some men might have repeat biopsies sooner or later depending on their group. The study will carefully monitor you over time to see how the cancer behaves in both groups. The total duration of your participation will depend on how your cancer progresses, but active surveillance itself is a long-term approach.