The expression of biomarkers, and correlation with clinical outcome measures, pre and post-surgical treatment of benign and malignant disorders of the prostate

The prostate is a gland found only in males and its main function is to make the fluid that carries sperm, called semen. The prostate is usually the size and shape of a walnut. It sits underneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra, which is the tube men urinate and ejaculate through. Benign hyperplasia and cancer of the prostate is common amongst men all over the world. Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men in the UK, with over 40,000 being diagnosed every year. Over 250,000 men are currently living with the disease (Cancer Research UK). Prostate cancer can develop slowly or very quickly. Most prostate cancer is slow-growing to start with and may never cause any problems or symptoms in a man’s lifetime. However, some men will have cancer that is more aggressive or ’high risk.’ This needs urgent treatment to help prevent or delay it spreading outside the prostate gland (metastasis). Treatment of benign and malignant disease of the prostate gland may be performed by using pharmaceutical agents and/or surgical interventions such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and cryotherapy.

The aim of our research study is to investigate changes in selective biomarkers after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and cryotherapy, and to test the hypothesis that changes to biomarkers are associated with cancer recurrence and progression, as well as post-operative complications.

For more information, please visit: http://www.biomedicalcpd.com/#!nw2urc/c1st6

When applying for this study, please indicate to the University of Chester Graduate School - that this is for the attention of Dr Stephen Hughes (Department of Biological Sciences).