Measurement of Circulating Tumor Cells in Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men and the second most deadly. Today's diagnostic methods and treatments are therefore obviously not adequate. In this study we will evaluate a new diagnostic sampling and analysis method for prostate cancer, not try new treatments. The test sampling involves the rare tumor cells and tumor DNA found in the blood, and sequencing their DNA to determine which, if any, defective genes they contain that may explain the disease. There is currently no universally accepted diagnostic test of either tumor cells or tumor DNA in blood. We have access to new technology that one of us (CE) developed at the Karolinska Institute, which by all accounts can give access to the rare tumor cells in the blood so that we can sequence their DNA. In this study we want to try to see if it is possible in practical healthcare to apply the new technology for prostate cancer patients and if there are signs that it works equally well in the healthcare environment as in the laboratory. Impact: If the sampling of tumor cells and tumor DNA from blood samples works within the healthcare system processes, it will be possible to understand the causal relationships behind their occurrence, and their gene defects, we can design follow-up studies that would take us closer to clinical use of the new technology to predict which treatment would be most effective and which treatment would produce the least side effects. Ethical considerations: The risks of blood sampling are limited and known and can be managed within the healthcare system. Data is handled safely. The potential future benefit of a new cancer cell- and DNA-test is great. The study is a collaboration between Region Sörmland, Karolinska Institutet and iCellate Medical AB. The data collection is expected to be completed in 2020 and the analyses in 2021.