Men wanted for Blacktown Hospital prostate cancer study

Can a commonly used diabetes drug benefit patients with prostate cancer?

That’s the question researchers from Blacktown Hospital are currently exploring – but they need help from local men to continue their work.

The research team is on the hunt for men with prostate cancer, who have been on Androgen deprivation therapy for at least six months and have no history of diabetes, to participate in the study.

Clinical trials manager Navneeta Ready said the study, led by Dr Vita Birzniece, was exploring the effect of Metformin, a common diabetes drug, on patients with prostate cancer.

“Studies have shown that Metformin can reduce the growth of cancers,” she said.

“We want to look at the mechanism behind this and see if it can work for men with prostate cancer.”

Men willing to participate in the trial would need to take Metformin for six weeks and attend the Western Sydney University Research Centre at Blacktown Hospital once a month for three months.

Interested participants must also attend an initial screening visit.

The screening, which lasts only an hour, involves a thorough explanation of the trial, along with routine blood work to check a person’s suitability.

Parking and meal vouchers will be provided.

For more information about recruitment, contact Navneeta Reddy on 9851 6152 or email Navneeta.Reddy@health.nsw.gov.au