Research Trials Group

The Centre's research facilities assist our community in attracting and retaining some of the world's best medical professionals. Our strategic alliances strengthen our ability to improve diagnostic techniques, treatment options and enhance quality of life for patients as we work toward finding a cure for prostate cancer and prostate-related disease.  

Overview

The Research Department of the Prostate Cancer Centre has been operating since the Centre opened in 1999.  Our research team, consisting of twelve urologists and two registered nurses has been involved in multiple national and international studies over the past ten years.

Clinical Trials

We currently have a well established Clinical Trials department at the Prostate Cancer Centre.  A Clinical Trial is a research study designed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of medications or medical devices, treatments or preventative measures by monitoring their effects on volunteer participants. Over the past 11 years hundreds of participants have been involved in many world class studies that have worked towards the prevention and treatment of many cancers and urological disorders.

The reason for conducting Clinical Trials here in Calgary is we have access to a broad local patient population as well as world class medical resources that together create an environment that allows for cutting edge research and treatment options  .

 Recent examples of Clinical Trials conducted at the Prostate Cancer Centre:

·          Randomized Trial of External Beam Radiotherapy Versus Cryoablation in Patients with Localized Prostate Cancer.  

This was a successful, unique, randomized clinical trial comparing 2 different forms of treatment in prostate cancer.  This type of trial has been tried by others many times with no success.  We credit our success to the dedication of the team.  

External Beam Radiotherapy vs Cryoablation Orignal Article   

Randomized Trial of External Bean Raiotherapy vs. Cryoablation in Patients with localized Prostate Cancer

·         Oncolytic Viral Therapy for Prostate Cancer

A unique Phase I trial conducted on 6 participants to study the effects of direct injection of the Reo Virus into cancerous prostate.  The results from this trial were very promising, however due to difficulties with the Health Protection Branch of the Federal Government , this trial was moved to London, England.  The results of this trial have been submitted for publication.

·         Trans- Rectal Ultrasound guided biopsy of the prostate; Relation between ASA use and bleeding complications.

This was a published trial reporting the safety of performing prostate biopsies on patients who are taking aspirin. [1] 

We are currently conducting many other such trials in our Research Department:

Baseline Serum Testosterone (BST) does not affect outcomes in men treated with external beam radiation.

Quality of Life Outcomes- External Beam Radiotherapy vs Cryoablation
Read more....  

PSA progression predicts overall survival in patients with mestastatic prostate cancer

Exciting New additions

One of the most important deliverables from research is how do we take raw research data and translate the findings into meaningful medical practice.  Translational research does just that.

 We are pleased have Dr. Tarek Bismar join us and bring his expertise in genetic research to our center.  Dr.  Bismar is a renowned genitourinary pathologist with a special and active interest in prostate cancer research.  He has fellowship training in genitourinary pathology from Wayne State and Harvard University.  Dr. Bismar’s research on gene fusions in prostate cancer is changing the way we think about this disease. 

Our plan is to combine his assessment of gene mutations and genetic abnormalities with our current data bases to try and more clearly delineate the role of genetic abnormality in prostate cancer.  This lab will be located in our new facility.