Circulating Tumor Cell Analysis in Patients With Localized Prostate Cancer Undergoing Prostatectomy (NCT01961713)
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
This study will evaluate a method to detect tumor cells that are circulating in the blood without getting a biopsy. The investigators already know from other studies that cancer tumors shed a small number of cells into the bloodstream every day. These are called circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Some early studies indicate the amount and type of CTCs in the blood can help determine the status of the tumor itself and the way it is responding to treatment. In this study, the investigators will compare the number of CTCs in the blood at different time frames before and after surgery to remove the prostate.
Who can join: To join this study, participants generally need to meet the listed inclusion criteria (5 items) and avoid the listed exclusions (4 items).
Location: Massachsuetts General Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistCheck every box below. If you can check all of them, you may meet the study's basic screening requirements (final eligibility is confirmed by the site team).
Usually NOT eligible if any of the following apply:
- Exclusion Criteria:
- Patients must not have received prior radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or other medical therapy for prostate cancer prior to prostatectomy. Post-prostatectomy therapy at the discretion of the patient's treating physician(s) is allowed.
- Patients must not have metastatic prostate cancer
- No prior or current diagnosis of epithelial malignancy, except for skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma)
🔍 Extracted verbatim from the official NIH eligibility criteria. Always confirm with the study coordinator.
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- Massachsuetts General Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.