Effects of ZD4054 in localised prostate cancer

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Assessment of the effects of the specific endothelin-A antagonist ZD4054 on prostate cancer biomarkers in patients with localized disease

• Eudract number

  2008-002685-55

• Research summary

  Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in men worldwide. There are increasing data indicating that in malignant prostate tissue there are modifications in the genes and proteins expressed compared to non-malignant tissue. Drugs which work against prostate cancer may modify these genes/proteins after only a short period of time and such drug effects are likely to be detectable in a short-duration study.ZD4054 is a novel drug currently in development as a potential treatment for advanced prostate cancer. There is good evidence from previous clinical trials in men with advanced prostate cancer that it can prolong survival and improve symptoms. However, not much is known about how the drug affects prostate cancer cells, e.g. the activity of proteins and genes contained within the cell, and their behaviour. The aim of this research is to collect research samples (prostate cancer tissue, blood, urine and bone marrow)and imaging from men who have recently been diagnosed with localized prostate cancer and are due to undergo an operation to remove their prostate gland (radical prostatectomy). These men will be treated with ZD4054, which is taken as a single tablet once daily, for a period of 2-4 weeks before their surgery, at which time repeat samples will be collected, including the prostate cancer tissue removed at their operation. By analysing these samples and imaging taken before and after treatment, it is hoped to understand more about how the drug works and to understand more about prostate cancer. This knowledge may in future help to develop new treatments for prostate and other cancers and also help us to understand why some treatments may work for some patients but not for others.This research project is jointly funded by Cancer Research UK and AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals. It is recruiting at the Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Salford Royal NHS Trust, Hope Hospital.

• REC name

  North West - Greater Manchester Central Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  08/H1008/211

• Date of REC Opinion

  6 Feb 2009

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion