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Home arrow Research arrow 2007 Research Projects arrow 2007 Research Chris Parker
2007 Research Chris Parker PDF Print E-mail

A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised phase II trial of selenium supplementation in men with localised prostate cancer on active surveillance
Dr Christopher Parker (Institute of Cancer Research) and Dr Margaret Rayman (University of Surrey)

Dr Chris Parker at the Institute of Cancer Research

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Background

Active surveillance is an approach to the managment of early prostate cancer, in which the choice beteeen curative treatment and observation is based on evidence of disease progression during a period of close monitoring.  Active surveillance provides an opportunity to test low-toxicity interventions, such as selenium, that are designed to slow the rate of disease progression (ie tertiary prevention)

A total of eight large prospective studies of selenium status and prostate cancer have been published.  Seven of these show a reduced risk of prostate cancer for the highest versus lowest category of selenium status.  In a number of these studies, the protective effect of selenium was stronger for advanced rather than for localised disease, suggesting a more marked effect on prostate cancer progression rather than initiation.

Intake of selenium in the UK has fallen in recent years and now stands at around half the UK government's recommended value (Reference Nutrient Intake) of 75 μg/d for men.

Aim

To study the effect of selenium supplemnets on markers of prostate cancer cell proliferation and progression in men on active surveillance for localised prostate cancer.

Trial Design

Sixy perticipants with localised prostate cance on active surveillance will be randomized to one of three treamtnet groups (i) 200 μg/day selenium, (ii) 300 μg/day selenium or (iii) placebo.  Supplementation will continue for 10 months.  Patients will be monitored with two-monthly PSA tests, and with an end-of-study prostate biopsy.  Markers of prostate cancer cell proliferation and progression in the end-of study biopsy samples will be compared between the placebo group and each of the intervention groups.

Project commenced

March 2007

Length of project

2 years

Amount Supported

£53,414

 
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