Featured Research Project: TRANSFORM screening trial
The UK’s biggest and most ambitious prostate cancer screening trial in 20 years
Prostate cancer remains the only major cancer without a national screening programme. This is despite major strides forward in multi-parametric MRI scanning and innovative biopsy techniques, which have undeniably transformed the diagnostic pathway.
Encouragingly, years of innovative research and tireless campaigning have brought us closer than ever to prostate cancer screening - although further research is needed to address the evidence gaps identified by the National Screening Committee.
Our groundbreaking screening study, TRANSFORM, is the critical final step in this journey. This landmark clinical trial is on course to deliver the conclusive evidence that will end decades of debate, showing us the safest, most accurate and most cost-effective way to screen men for prostate cancer.
Over the next two years the researchers at the helm of the trial will compare four potential screening approaches, each using different combinations of tests – including PSA blood tests, faster versions of MRI scans and genetic testing.
These approaches will be compared to the diagnostic process currently used in the NHS, to see which testing methods perform best and should be taken forward into the trial’s larger second phase.
For me, getting a screening programme is so important. Black men are twice as likely to get prostate cancer. My dad died of it. My uncle had it too. And because it’s in the family, my four brothers and my three sons all have an even higher risk.
The initial results will reveal how many men go on to have a biopsy, how many are diagnosed with low, medium and high-risk cancers, and how many would be likely to take part if invited for screening.
Importantly, these findings may provide the vital data that could finally tip the balance in favour of screening ahead of the National Screening Committee’s next evidence review in two years’ time.
The second phase of the trial will take forward the most promising testing methods and assess how effective they are within a large sample of almost 300,000 men. By 2033, this critical work will enable clear-cut decisions on the best way to screen men for prostate cancer.
Finally, during stage three, the team will use GP records and hospital statistics to follow hundreds of thousands of men over the next decade. This longer-term study will build up an even more detailed picture of how the different screening approaches have affected rates of diagnosis and treatment – and, crucially, how many lives have been saved.
Raising further funds to support vital research
We shared details of our TRANSFORM screening trial, alongside the stories of several men, in a fundraising appeal to our supporters.
This appeal has already inspired supporters to donate an incredible £350,853.16 to support our work.
The TRANSFORM researchers also presented the study in a fantastic webinar for our supporters. If you would like to watch the webinar, a link to the recording can be found below.
Thank you!
A huge thank you to all the TRANSFORM researchers for their hard work and support, and to all our researchers whose work is helping to improve outcomes for men with prostate cancer.
