Daniel Good

Title

Elasticity as a biomarker for prostate cancer

Qualifications

• MB BCh BAO – 2003
• MRCSI – 2011
• PG Dip Medical Education 2013
• Fellow of Higher Education Academy 2012

Supervisors

Professor Alan S McNeill, Mr Simon Phipps and Mr Grant Stewart

Funding

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (UK)

Project Summary

Prostate cancer is a major public health problem. The most recent estimates of the global incidence of prostate cancer indicate that it is the third most common male cancer worldwide, accounting for about 10% of all cancer cases(1).

Currently detection methods include a blood test called prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing and by a finger examination of the prostate (digital rectal examination). Digital rectal examination however is subjective, open to inter-observer variation and is not very sensitive. PSA is the most sensitive test we have, however, is not specific for prostate cancer. Currently only 50% of patients with a raised PSA attending for TRUS biopsy will have a positive biopsy confirming cancer (which means many have unnecessary biopsies) and even men with a normal “PSA” may have underlying prostate cancer.

The current “gold standard” for prostate cancer diagnosis is via histology by trans-rectal ultrasound guided (TRUS) biopsies. Unfortunately it has limitations: it only samples a small volume in comparison to the rest of the gland, can miss prostate cancers which can lead to over and under-treatment of prostate cancer. It also carries with it risks including serious infection.

Clearly there are limitations in the detection and management of prostate cancer. As a result there is a considerable focus on biomarkers for prostate cancer. We have set up a clinical trial assessing elasticity in patients using a novel assessment probe which is recruiting patients currently. This probe was developed in conjunction with researchers at Heriot-Watt University’s Department of Engineering and is called the E-finger. It is hoped that this will provide a less invasive and more accurate way of diagnosing prostate cancer.