Luminal Index MRI Identification of ProstaTe Cancer (LIMIT Study)
What is the purpose of this study?
We have developed a new MRI technique that can allow prostate cancer to be detected using a 5-minute scan as opposed to the current 35–40-minute MRI scan. As this novel scan is simple, cheap and has good performance, it can be delivered within the community setting even using an MRI scanner located in a travelling van. We believe that providing scans in the community setting could allow men, who would otherwise not be scanned, the opportunity to have their cancer detected earlier.
Why is this research being done?
MRI is the best available test for the detection of prostate cancer, but at present this can only be provided in a hospital setting. Whilst MRI is being used, there are still many men (about 16%) that are being diagnosed with late-stage disease and almost 12,000 men dying per year from prostate cancer in the UK. Clearly, these men are not being scanned early enough in the time-course of their disease for treatment to make a difference. If we can detect their cancer earlier, we think we might be able to reduce deaths from prostate cancer.
In this study, leading doctors and scientists from both hospital and GP settings are collaborating to establish the best pathway to deliver a community-based MRI scan. The community-based approach has been selected specially to attract and engage black men, to have the opportunity to have their prostate cancer detected early.
We will collect feasibility data and determine how acceptable a short MRI-based prostate cancer screening process is for participants, GPs, urologists and commissioners. We will explore screening invitations sent by GPs and within the community (via leaflets, social media, transport for London, barber shops, influencers to name a few), hoping to attract more participants at risk due to their ethnicity. This first step will inform us whether a large national trial of our detection strategy using our new MRI technique is feasible. Should it be feasible, the results of this study will allow us to plan the national trial.
What are the benefits of taking part in the study?
The study uses a short 5-minute MRI scan, based in the community, to detect men with prostate cancer, who would otherwise not be scanned. The information we gather on how acceptable a short MRI-based prostate cancer screening process will provide the first step to a larger national trial using this new MRI technique to allow earlier detection of prostate cancer in men (~16%) that present with late stage metastatic disease.
Who is being included in the study?
We plan to recruit a total of 800 men from hospitals in London, Cambridge and Manchester, we will also have community site in London. This is the feasibility phase of a screening study.
What is the status of the study?
The LIMIT study is currently recruiting patients.
Who is carrying out the study?
The study is being conducted by University College London, who is the sponsor of the LIMIT Study. The study is funded by Cancer Research UK’s International Alliance for Cancer Early Detection partnership.
If I have any questions, who can I contact?
If you have any questions please speak to your hospital medical team. You can also contact us by email at ncita.LIMIT@ucl.ac.uk
ISRCTN study record: https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN45191339