For Researchers
APCRC–Q accelerates the transfer of research bench discoveries to clinical testing and facilitate clinical trials incorporating novel correlative studies that, in turn, link back to enhance additional discovery research. We link with the Queensland Clinical Trials Network, COSA, ANZUP and CUOG to attract trials.
We have established an integrated uro-oncology clinical trials unit, the Multidisciplinary Team for Advanced Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Unit. This Unit integrates the expertise of urology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and endocrinology for the treatment of prostate cancer.
APCRC-Q is currently involved in several clinical research projects with Australian and international collaborators, including pharmaceutical companies. Circulating tumour cell (CTC) numbers are tested in cancer patients' samples to determine if they can be used as novel biomarkers to monitor treatment response or to predict treatment outcome.
To provide a better understanding of the biology of advanced prostate cancer, APCRC-Q researchers are isolating CTCs from metastatic prostate cancer patients and characterising molecular profiles of these rare cells.
From the same group of patients, exosomes that are shed from cancer cells are being isolated and analysed. These small vesicles contain unique proteins and microRNAs relevant to their cells of origin and may prove to be biomarkers, which indicate a patient's response to treatment.
APCRC-Q is collaborating with the Australian e-Health Research Centre (a leading e-health research centre supported by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation and Queensland Government) to establish a health economic model to simulate the change in cost and health outcomes when new therapeutic interventions are introduced for patients with advanced prostate cancer. This model will influence healthcare policy decisions.
Visit the Clinical Trials - for Patients page for information about patient participation.
