We are now carrying out a prostate cancer study.

There are massively powerful reasons for such work. Prostate cancer is a major killer and the current test, the prostate specific antigen test [PSA], is unreliable.

If dogs can sniff prostate cancer from a urine sample the chances are high that from the results of the dogs’ sniffing research, a test can be developed that is far superior to the PSA test. The results would indicate the existence of a potential odour signature of prostate cancer that may correspond to one or, more likely, multiple volatile’s.

A recent study has been completed by Cornu et al, "Olfactory Detection of prostate cancer by Dogs Sniffing Urine: A Step Forward in Early Diagnosis". This study which looked at only one dog has shown very promising results and concludes that this work opens the door of volatile detection for prostate cancer diagnosis. The results provide a new insight in the field, further work and research would be of huge value and has the potential to answer questions that could lead to a significant improvement in the screening and early diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Prostate Study Action Plan

As guidance on how the study is being conducted please refer to the BMJ article regarding the bladder cancer study by visiting the internet at http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/abridged/329/7468/712.  The prostate study will be conducted on very similar lines. 

We expect a proof of principle study to be completed with a number of dogs over a 9 month period.

Research team.  
Our research team comprises of Dr John Church and Dr Claire Guest, investigators in the 2004 BMJ proof of principle detection of human bladder cancer study, Professor Karol Sikora leading oncologist and Dr Steve Moran medical statistician.
 
The cost of this research project is £50,000 and funding support is badly needed.

We are convinced that this research would be of huge value and has the potential to answer questions that could lead to a significant improvement in the screening and early diagnosis of prostate cancer.