Prostate Metabolism, Cancer Risk and Gut Microbiota
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: MRI scan and laboratory visit, Prostate biopsies, Radical prostatectomy and blood, urine and tissue sampling, TURP and blood, urine and tissue sampling.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Prostate Cancer, Prostate Hyperplasia. Basic parameters: from 18 years · Male.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Finland
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
Unsure about the terms? Read our patient guide →
Overview
This is a prospective, single center translational multiple cohort study to investigate the association of gut microbiota and prostate cancer.
Detailed description
Prostate cancer (PCa) is a significant health care system challenge. PCa is the most common male cancer in Finland and most western countries. Interestingly, although the incidence of indolent (latent) PCa is very similar throughout the globe, there is a remarkable global age-adjusted incidence variation (up to 40-fold difference between highest and lowest incidences).
Epidemiological data suggest that aging in men is associated with neoplastic processes in the prostate but only a subset of men will develop a true malignancy potentially affecting their life-span or quality of life. Genetic factors have a significant effect on PCa risk, but very likely life-style (e.g. diet and physical activity) affect PCa risk as well, but the mechanisms mediating protective or harmful effects of life-style remain unclear.
Gut microbiota, i.e. the collection of microbes colonizing the gastrointestinal tract, has been acknowledged to play significant role in many metabolic pathways and pathogenetic processes in the human body. Although there is some evidence suggesting that gut microbiota affects therapy responses (especially androgen deprivation) in PCa, it´s potential role in prostate carcinogenesis is not well documented. Our previous studies suggest that gut microbiota composition is different in men with and without PCa potentially contributing to the Pca risk, and that changes in steroid hormone synthesis may be one mechanism how gut microbiota affects PCa risk.
PROMIC is a prospective, single center translational multiple cohort study to investigate the association of gut microbiota and PCa. The main aim is to validate our preliminary findings of association between gut microbiota and PCa. We also study metabolic characteristics in the gut, systemic circulation, and prostate tissue in men with different gut microbiota signatures. The study is carried out in Turku University Hospital and University of Turku.
Interventions
- Other MRI scan and laboratory visit
Prostate MRI scan is performed according to the protocol used in earlier studies (PMID 31158230). In addition to the PCa diagnostics, the scan will include abdominal imaging to body composition analysis (visceral and subcutaneous fat and psoas muscle). Baseline blood and urine samples are collected in Turku University Hospital laboratory. - Procedure Prostate biopsies
The visit follows routine outpatient clinic protocol. The results from MRI and laboratory findings are discussed and the potential benefits and harms from prostate biopsies are evaluated. After a mutual decision, prostate biopsies are performed. - Procedure Radical prostatectomy and blood, urine and tissue sampling
Baseline blood and urine samples are collected at the time of surgery. Robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) is performed according to routine protocol. Routine diagnostic histopathological procedures will be followed, and study tissue samples are obtained in the department of pathology. - Procedure TURP and blood, urine and tissue sampling
Baseline blood and urine samples are collected the time of surgery. TURP is performed according to normal protocol. Routine diagnostic histopathological procedures will be followed in the department of pathology. Additionally, tissue samples (a total of 10 resection chips) will be collected for study analyses. Due to the study, no additional tissue samples are removed, i.e. study samples are from the tissues removed as clinically indicated. - Procedure Radical cystoprostatectomy and blood, urine and tissue sampling
Baseline blood and urine samples are collected at the time of surgery. Radical cystoprostatectomy is performed according to routine protocol. Routine diagnostic histopathological procedures will be followed, and study tissue samples are obtained in the department of pathology.
Primary outcome measures
- Gut microbiota signature [Time frame: immediately before prostate biopsy]
Secondary outcome measures (1)
- Gut metabolomics [Time frame: immediately before prostate biopsy]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Provision of signed and dated informed consent form.
- Ability and stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study.
Exclusion criteria
- inability to comply with study procedures or unwillingness to participate in the study.
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
Study locations
Finland · 2 centers
- University of Turku — Turku
- Turku University Hospital — Turku
Identifiers
NCT: NCT06116851 · 15/1801/2022