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Researchers in Birmingham are investigating the effects of treatments for prostate cancer on men‘s thinking skills. The CogCan research study is funded by Prostate Cancer UK, and is being undertaken by researchers from Aston University, Birkbeck College and King’s College London.

 

What is the study about?

Some men receiving androgen deprivation therapy (hormone therapy) for prostate cancer report a decline in their thinking skills, such as memory. But some men may experience more of a change than others. The aim of the CogCan study is to find out whether the hormone treatments given to patients with prostate cancer affect their thinking skills and wellbeing, and allow the identification of men at greater risk of experiencing decline in thinking skills. This information will guide treatment recommendations to develop interventions to help men cope with these changes.

 

Who can take part?

We are looking to recruit men aged between 50 and 85 years, who are fluent in spoken and written English and who fall into one of the following groups:

  • have not received a diagnosis of prostate cancer
  • have received a diagnosis of prostate cancer and will not be receiving hormone therapy
  • have received a diagnosis of prostate cancer and will be starting hormone therapy (or have recently started hormone therapy in the past 3 months)

 

What would happen to me if I took part?

You would be asked to come to Aston University five times over a 12 month period;

  • 3 times to complete paper based tests looking at thinking skills
  • 2 times to have a brain scan at the Aston MRI Brain Centre

We will take a blood test to measure your testosterone levels and blood biomarkers (genes). We would also like to take samples of saliva to measure testosterone. This is collected by spitting into a specially designed container.

 

You will receive £20 after each of the five visits to cover travel expenses and your time. Some men prefer to have three longer visits (undertaking the scan and thinking skills test in one visit) rather than five visits and we can arrange this for you (you would receive £40 for each visit).

 

What next?

If you are interested in taking part in the study, or would like further information, then please contact the research team directly.