Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in men and a disease that is frequently diagnosed in advanced stages due to the lack of symptoms in early-stage prostate cancer. There are several widely accepted risk factors, including age, ethnicity, and family history.

Prostate cancer is most frequently diagnosed in men 65 years of age or older. African American men have a higher incidence rate for prostate cancer than their counterparts. As with other types of cancers, family history may affect one's predisposition for the disease.

Common screening techniques include the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test and the digital rectal exam. Men 50 or younger, if at high risk, should talk with their doctor about the benefits and harms of being screened for prostate cancer.

Treatment options for prostate cancer may vary depending on the patient's age, stage of disease, and other medical conditions, and should be discussed with the patient's physician.

Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials

The Center for Cancer Research (CCR), NCI's largest division doing research on campus, conducts prostate cancer clinical trials at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Md. NCI accepts referrals to prostate cancer clinical trials conducted in Bethesda, Md., through its Clinical Trials Referral Office (formerly called Clinical Studies Support Center)at 1-888-NCI-1937 (1-888-624-1937).

NCI is currently conducting the following trials for patients with prostate cancer. Click on the trials below for additional details, including a summary of eligibility criteria, treatment plan, and information on how to contact the principal investigators and their staff directly.