Norwalk Hospital enrolls participants in prostate cancer clinical trial

Norwalk Hospital has opened a new clinical trial for men with unfavorable intermediate-risk prostate cancer. Researchers are studying treatment options based on an individual’s genetic risk of the cancer spreading. At this time, Norwalk Hospital is the only site in Connecticut conducting the clinical trial.

Researchers are testing whether radiation alone is as effective as radiation plus hormone therapy at treating prostate cancer in men with a low gene risk score. A low gene risk score means the individual is less likely to have the cancer spread versus a high gene risk score. 

Researchers are also testing whether adding another new hormone therapy drug to the usual combination of radiation and hormone therapy increases the length of time without prostate cancer spreading for men with a higher gene risk score.

“Men with unfavorable intermediate-risk prostate can have hormone therapy, also called androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). While ADT is a standard of care and can effectively treat prostate cancer, it can cause side effects that impact a man’s sexual health, bone density and muscle mass,” explained Dr. Philip Gilbo, chief of radiation oncology at Norwalk Hospital.

“We want to be certain each patient receives ADT to their benefit based on their risk score, whether they need less and can potentially minimize side effects, or more to increase the chance of a cure,” Dr. Gilbo said.

“We not only aim to effectively treat cancer but also maintain each patient’s quality of life. We continue to improve patient experiences and outcomes by studying treatments, which is why we are excited to participate in this clinical trial,” Dr. Gilbo said.

The clinical trial is designed to randomly assign genetically low-risk prostate cancer participants to one of two groups: standard radiation combined with six months of ADT, or radiation therapy alone. Conversely, genetically high-risk participants will be randomized to either standard radiation with six months of ADT or radiation plus a dual treatment of six months of ADT and an additional anti-hormone drug.

Participants will participate in the study at the Whittingham Cancer Center. To learn more about the clinical trial, email oncologyclinicaltrials@nuvancehealth.org.