Prostate cancer is the most common cancer to affect men in Aotearoa New Zealand, with an estimated 4,000 new cases a year.
Men with high risk localised prostate cancer are at greater risk of the cancer returning after their initial treatment, and researchers right here in Auckland are continuing to explore ways to improve their outcomes.
Dr Jerusha Padayachee at the Radiation Oncology department of Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai is investigating the use of radiotherapy targeting both the prostate and pelvic lymph nodes at initial treatment of these patients as leader of the New Zealand arm of the UK-based PACE-NODES clinical trial.
She says, “Lymph node spread is common in men with high-risk prostate cancer, but it is often difficult to detect on scans. Recent studies have shown that by treating both the prostate and pelvic lymph nodes, we can reduce the risk of the cancer returning.
“The landscape of radiation oncology has drastically changed in recent years. As technology has advanced, so too has our treatment delivery. The current trend is to deliver radiotherapy in fewer treatments using ablative doses, termed stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).”
“Prostate cancer radiotherapy is typically delivered over 4 weeks (20 treatments). More recently, there has been shift to deliver radiotherapy over just 5 treatments using SBRT. With extreme precision from improvements in radiotherapy technology, a highly ablative dose per treatment is delivered to the prostate, and early data shows this approach to be safe.
“But it is unclear whether SBRT can be delivered safely and more effectively when treating both the prostate and pelvic lymph nodes, and this PACE-NODES randomised study will provide further insight.
“This clinical trial presents an opportunity for prostate cancer patients in Aotearoa New Zealand to access a treatment approach that would not otherwise be available.”
“I am very appreciative of the funding from AMRF. Having the opportunity to access such sources further solidifies my aspirations to build a medical career that is research-focussed.
“I believe access to funding is one of the greatest impediments preventing clinicians furthering research. Having the ability to access funding in a stream-lined manner, as offered through AMRF, aids in breaking down such barriers in the New Zealand health sector.”
Interested in taking part? Enquire through your oncologist and indicate that the trial is being run through Te Toka Tumai, Auckland City Hospital. Further info about the study is here: