Circulating Tumor DNA in High-Risk Localized Prostate Cancer

Grant Application

Primary Investigator: Leonard J. Appleman, MD, PhD

Proposed Innovation

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer — and second most common cause of cancer deaths — in men in the United States. While many cases confined to the prostate gland can be cured with surgery, radiation, or other treatments, recurrent or metastatic prostate cancer is generally not curable.

This pilot study will be conducted in men with high-risk localized prostate cancer before they undergo a radical prostatectomy. It will test a new method of detecting circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) that is shed by cancers into the bloodstream. Findings will determine the ability of the assay to predict the risk of recurrence and benefit of postoperative therapy.

Improvements in Action

Researchers believe analysis of ctDNA from the blood of men with high-risk localized prostate cancer will serve both as a prognostic and predictive biomarker that can be used to personalize treatment.

Through this study, blood samples will be taken from cancer patients prior to their planned surgery to remove the prostate and surrounding tissue. Results will be analyzed along with preoperative serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) level, pathologic stage, and grade. Additional samples will be collected for ctDNA analysis at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery.

Intended Outcomes

This project is expected to demonstrate that an analysis of ctDNA in patients with high-risk localized prostate cancer can be used to personalize treatment so toxic and risky therapies are only given to those who most need them.