The PRIMARY trial investigates the additive diagnostic value of the PET PSMA tracer – What’s its ability to reduce unnecessary prostate biopsies in men being investigated for prostate cancer.
We asked lead researcher Dr Matthew Roberts to offer some insight into the project and how HIRF is contributing to clinical innovation.
| What is your project about? | We are a participating site for the PRIMARY trial, originating from St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, which is investigating the additive benefit of the PSMA PET scan before a diagnostic prostate biopsy. This scan is used very often after a diagnosis of prostate cancer, but we want to investigate if it’s use before diagnosis can guide biopsy targeting to help better reflect the presence or absence of cancer and, if present, the nature of the disease to best inform treatment options. |
| What drove you into this field of research? | One of my key research interests is the non-invasive characterisation of prostate cancer, how accurately can we diagnose or predict the course of an individual person’s cancer journey. In my PhD, I looked at biomarkers in bodily fluids for this purpose, whereas this scan is one used in day to day practice so I am really interested in all the information that it can provide. This trial is a world-first that we can offer our patients to potentially improve their prostate cancer care so it is a real privilege to be an investigator. |
| What role does HIRF play with the project? | HIRF provides state-of-the-art PET/CT facilities, including expert nuclear medicine technical and administrative support and experienced nuclear medicine physician interpretation. HIRF is also a member of ARTnet, the Australasian Radiopharmaceutical Trials network, which provides access to a nation-wide support structure and standardised procedures for valid comparisons between centres. This trial would not currently be possible in Queensland without HIRF. |
| What impact could this project have on the community? | This trial may provide the initial, high-quality data required to establish a new paradigm in prostate cancer diagnosis beyond prostate MRI. The results of this trial may allow clinicians to more reliably avoid unnecessary biopsies, improving quality of life for these men and reduced costs for health systems. |
| What would you say are the more challenging/enjoyable aspects of research? | The randomness of research is challenging, from COVID19 to technical failure to unexpected results, however these perceived failures often provide the first nudge towards a new, exciting direction in research. Often we design research expecting to find a result, yet in the face of results that are opposite to what was expected, different questions arise requiring broader thinking and consultation. |
| How did you hear about HIRF? | I am fortunate to work in collaboration with experienced Nuclear Medicine specialists with a strong research interest who helped establish HIRF and PSMA PET studies. This groundwork allowed a relatively smooth commencement of this trial and earlier access for our patients. |
| Advice to anyone wishing to start a research project? | Be guided by what the important question is, usually asked by your patients. Then ask the experts, both technical and philosophical, for advice in approach and ongoing support. A well planned project has lowest chance of failure! |
Dr. Matthew Roberts
Principal Investigate for the PRIMARY project