LIMIT P Ca  (CPMS: 52223 / IRAS: 287898)

UPDATED - 02/05/2025

MRI is the best available test for the detection of prostate cancer, but at present this can only be provided in a hospital setting. Whilst MRI is being used, there are still many men (about 16%) that are being diagnosed with late-stage disease and almost 12,000 men dying per year from prostate cancer in the UK. Clearly, these men are not being scanned early enough in the time-course of their disease for treatment to make a difference. If we can detect their cancer earlier, we think we might be able to reduce deaths from prostate cancer.

We have developed a new MRI technique that can allow prostate cancer to be detected using a 5-minute scan as opposed to the current 35-40 minute MRI scan. As this novel scan is simple, cheap and has good performance, it can be delivered within the community setting even using an MRI scanner located in a travelling van. We believe that providing scans in the community setting could allow men, who would otherwise not be scanned, the opportunity to have their cancer detected earlier.

In this project, leading doctors and scientists from both hospital and GP settings are collaborating to elaborate the best pathway to deliver a community-based MRI scan. We will collect feasibility data and determine how acceptable is a short MRI-based prostate cancer screening process for participants, GPs, urologists and commissioners. We will explore screening invitations sent by GPs and within the community (via leaflets, social media, transport for London, barber shops, influencers…), hoping to attract more participants at risk due to their ethnicity. This first step will inform us whether a large national trial of our detection strategy using our new MRI technique is feasible. Should it be feasible, the results of this study will allow us to plan the national trial

Study Resources

Access for the SystmOne and EMIS study resources can be requested below.

For further guidance on using the resources, please refer to the guidance documents and further useful information on the PRIDES page.

The searches have been created with the study specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. 

If you require any further information or help, please contact the IT Specialists:

EMIS: Jodie Button – jodie.button@nihr.ac.uk 

SystmOne: James Baslington – james.baslington@nhs.net

Disclaimer:

Please note the resources provided are designed to assist with the identification of potentially suitable patients and to appropriately code these patients if required.

These resources have been developed based on the criteria provided by the relevant study team and whilst every effort has been made to make them universally implementable they rely on read codes and the data stored in the individual practice's clinical system. These resources are intended to assist with identification but should be used in conjunction with clinical oversight and a clear understanding of the study parameters.

While we endeavour to keep the information, tools and resources provided up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the tools provided for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of the tools provided.