NCT04692675 · National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Prostate to Assess Disease Progression and Genomics in Patients Undergoing Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer
What this study is about
Background: Active surveillance (AS) is a standard approach to treat low and intermediate risk prostate cancer. For AS, disease progression is monitored. AS uses biopsies, prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood tests, and other tools. Researchers want to see if multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) can help improve AS.
View original scientific description
Background: Active surveillance (AS) is a standard approach to treat low and intermediate risk prostate cancer. For AS, disease progression is monitored. AS uses biopsies, prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood tests, and other tools. Researchers want to see if multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) can help improve AS. Objective: To see if mpMRI can improve how people are monitored during AS. Eligibility: Men age 18 and older who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer within the last 2 years. Design: Participants will undergo AS. Their PSA level will be checked once a year via blood test. They will have a digital rectal exam once a year. Participants will have biopsies every 2-3 years. Needles will be put into different parts of the prostate. The needles are guided by ultrasound imaging. Participants will also have targeted biopsies with mpMRI and MRI guided fusion (MRI-US fusion). MRI-US fusion combines previous MRI images with live ultrasound images. For MRIs, participants will lie on their stomach on the scanner table. A coil may be placed in the rectum. Participants will have a physical exam and medical record review at least every 3 years. Their weight and vital signs will be checked. They will give data about their daily activities, side effects, and symptoms. Every 2-3 years, participants will fill out surveys about their prostate health and quality of life. Participants may give blood, urine, prostate secretion, and saliva samples. The samples will be used for research. Participation will last for as long as the participant does not need actual treatment for his prostate cancer.
Interventions
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST
mpMRI
3T endorectal coil MR imaging of the prostate gland
Primary outcome measures
role of mpMRI
Time frame: beginning of study, prior to all biopsies (i.e., every 2 years until year 5; then, every 3 years after year 5).
role of mpMRI in the selection and management of patients for AS by correlating imaging findings with pathological progression as determined on serial biopsies
correlation of mpMRI, prostate biopsy pathology results, and progression
Time frame: beginning of study, prior to all biopsies (i.e., every 2 years until year 5; then, every 3 years after year 5).
relationship between mpMRI, prostate biopsy pathology results, and progression in AS patients to determine if prostate biopsies may be safely avoided based on the accuracy of imaging (sensitivity and specificity) to avoid progression
optimal interval of MR imaging
Time frame: beginning of study, prior to all biopsies (i.e., every 2 years until year 5; then, every 3 years after year 5).
optimal interval of MR imaging in monitoring AS patients for evidence of progression by correlating sequential MRIs with biopsies with the goal to reduce unnecessary imaging
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Participants must have confirmed histopathological diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the prostate within 2 years prior to study entry. Pathologic diagnosis must be confirmed by Laboratory of Pathology, NCI. If archival tissue is unavailable or insufficient for this purpose, a fresh biopsy will be collected.
- Biopsy confirmed prostate cancer with Gleason less than or equal to 3+4=7 (primary pattern 3)
- Clinical stage: cT1C or cT2A
- Adult males, greater than or equal to 18 years old NOTE: Children are excluded because prostate cancer is not common in pediatric populations. Women are not eligible because this disease occurs only in men.
- Ability of subject to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document All participants should have a consent signed that demonstrates an understanding of active surveillance and the decision to choose active surveillance for their prostate cancer.
- Subjects must be co-enrolled to NCI protocol 16-C-0010 Care of the Prostate Cancer Patient and Prospective Procurement of Prostate Cancer Tissue
Exclusion criteria
- Metastatic prostate cancer/locally advanced disease
- Previous radiation to the pelvis
- Contraindications to prostate biopsy, including:
- Bleeding disorder that is not currently treated and stable with normal INR values greater than 2 and PT, PTT less than or equal to 1.5 times the upper limit of normal value.
- Severe immunocompromise with CD4 count of less than 200 in HIV patients and bone marrow transplantation patients and or patients with severe combined immunodeficiency.
- Severe hemorrhoids grade 3 and above
- Prior surgery in the pelvis that prevents accurate imaging or biopsy including low anterior resection or abdominoperineal resection.
- Prior focal or whole gland therapy of the prostate for prostate cancer
- Contraindication to mpMRI, including allergy or sensitivity to contrast agents or insufficient renal function to safely tolerate MRI contrast agent
- mpMRI evidence of greater than or equal to T3 disease, including seminal vesicle invasion (SVI), extraprostatic extension (EPE) or locoregional spread of disease
- Any other medical conditions deemed by the PI or associates to make the participants ineligible for protocol procedures
Where
- Bethesda, Maryland
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 1, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations