Clinical trials and research for prostate cancer
We lead research to improve the lives of prostate cancer patients – now and in the future. Have a question about trials or research at the E.J. Whitten Prostate Cancer Research Centre at Epworth? Contact us:
Phone: 03 9483 6021
Email: [email protected]
Research and clinical trials lead to advances in medicine. They help researchers to find better treatments and ways to improve your overall patient experience. Sometimes, a clinical trial is the only way to access a new treatment option, years before it is available to the public.
At Epworth, innovation is in our DNA. We performed the first robot assisted radical prostatectomy in Australia and continue to excel in prostate cancer surgery. We are proud to offer our prostate cancer patients every chance to access the latest developments. You have support from us at every step, in person and through telehealth for regional and interstate patients.
Taking part in a clinical trial, study or registry is voluntary and always your choice.
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What is a clinical trial for prostate cancer?
A clinical trial tests how safe and effective an intervention is. In medical terms, an intervention is something prescribed with the aim to improve health, such as a treatment or drug. It may also be a surgical method or exercise program.
Clinical trials also test existing treatments for different diseases or in different doses. They compare the new intervention with existing options.
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What is a research study for prostate cancer?
A research study aims to answer important questions to improve prostate cancer care, including prevention, screening, diagnosis or patient experience. .
Research studies are observational, rather than interventional like clinical trials. This means you don’t receive a treatment. Instead, a research study may ask you questions about your experiences, feelings or treatment side effects.
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How can I join a trial or study?
You can browse our active projects below or speak with the team to find out more. We welcome questions from you or your treating doctor on 03 9483 6021 or [email protected]
Active prostate cancer trials and research at Epworth
Listing updated: 14 July 2026
1. SURGE PROSTATE
A Phase 1 Dose Escalation Study of STM-416p Administered Intraoperatively to Patients Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy.
The primary objectives of this trial are:
- To evaluate the safety and tolerability of STM-416p administered to the prostate bed during radical prostatectomy.
- To define the recommended dose of STM-416p for Phase 2 trials.
Principal Investigator: Prof Nathan Lawrentschuk
2. TYRA
A Phase 2 Multicenter, Open-Label Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of TYRA-300 in Participants with FGFR3 Altered Low Grade, Intermediate Risk Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer. TYRA-300 is an oral, highly selective FGFR3 inhibitor designed to minimize off-target toxicities seen with pan-FGFR inhibitors.
The primary objectives are:
- To evaluate TYRA-300 as a systemic treatment option for low-grade, intermediate-risk NMIBC to reduce recurrence and avoid repeated surgeries.
- To evaluate safety and tolerability of TYRA-300.
Principal Investigator: Professor Ben Tran
Sub-Investigator: Dr Fairleigh Reeves, Associate Professor Darren Katz, Professor Nathan Lawrentshuk , Dr John Lai and Dr Renu Eapen
3. Aquarius Pilot Study
Prospective, Multicenter, Single Arm Study of the Axonics External Trial System (Model ETS-02).
This study will help determine whether the ETS-02 can safely and effectively identify patients who are likely to benefit from sacral neuromodulation treatment. Before having a permanent sacral neuromodulation implant, patients first complete a short trial to see if the treatment helps their symptoms. The ETS-02 is used during this trial period. While some parts of the trial system are already approved in Australia, the ETS-02 device itself is not yet approved.
The objectives of this trial are:
- To find out whether a new external testing device (called the ETS-02) works well and is safe for people with bladder or bowel control problems.
Principal Investigator: Dr Sandra Elmer
4. RASOR Database
National Robotics-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy Database: Exploring Learning curves and Long term Surgical, Oncological and Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMS).
The objectives are:
- Develop a comprehensive, REDCap based database to collect detailed data on Prostate Cancer diagnostic pathways and Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy procedures.
- Evaluate long term outcomes of patients who undergo RARP with PROMS
- Explore impact of surgeons learning curves on RARP outcomes
- Compare outcomes of Conventional RARP to other RARP (Retzius-Sparing, Hood, etc) techniques to determine relative effectiveness
- Validate the Barwon Health Modular training tool – assessment of surgeon’s competency.
Principal Investigator: A/Prof Dixon Woon
These studies are currently open for recruitment. For trial enquiries, contact:
- Email [email protected]
- Phone 03 9483 6021