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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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: 30 April 2025
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. CONFIRM
The Diagnostic Utility of PSMA PET/CT in Men with Newly Diagnosed Low-Grade Prostate Cancer with High-Risk Features, on Active Surveillance, Awaiting Confirmatory Biopsy.
The primary objectives are:
- to determine if PSMA PET/CT improves detection of aggressive prostate cancer at confirmatory biopsy amongst men on active surveillance with recently diagnosed low-grade high-risk prostate cancer
- to investigate whether PSMA PET/CT can replace confirmatory biopsy in patients on active surveillance by determining its negative predictive value (NPV).
Stage: Low grade prostate cancer.
Principal Investigator: Prof Nathan Lawrentschuk
3. ARASTEP
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 study of darolutamide plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) compared with placebo plus ADT in patients with high-risk biochemical recurrence (BCR) of prostate cancer.
The objectives of this trial are:
- to determine if darolutamide plus ADT given for 24 months improves rPFS by PSMA PET/CT compared with placebo plus ADT given for 24 months.
- to further evaluate efficacy and to measure the treatment impact on patients’ quality of life.
Principal Investigator: A/Prof Arun Azad
Sub-Investigator: Dr John Lai
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: Dr Dixon Woon
These studies are currently open for recruitment. For trial enquiries, contact:
- Email [email protected]
- Phone 03 9483 6021