Clinical Studies

The Prostate Active Surveillance Study (PASS) is a study designed to identify and validate biomarkers that predict aggressive prostate cancer. PASS is funded by Canary Foundation and coordinated by National Cancer Institute's Early Detection Research Network (EDRN).

About PASS

Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men in North America. A diagnosis of prostate cancer is complicated by the fact that the majority of prostate cancers are not lethal even if left untreated, yet our ability to predict which cancers can safely be left untreated is far from perfect. The major goal of PASS is to identify markers (proteins, DNA, RNA, hormones, etc.) that can be used to build diagnostic tests to distinguish potentially lethal prostate cancers, which may be best treated with aggressive therapy, from non-lethal cancers, which are suitable for continued monitoring without aggressive treatment.

This study will enroll men who have elected active surveillance as a management plan for prostate cancer. Active surveillance is defined as serial PSA measurements and prostate examination with routine prostate biopsy and therapeutic intervention considered at the time of progression.

Participants enrolled in this study will be evaluated on a routine schedule of PSA measurements and prostate biopsies that is similar to standard of care for patients undergoing active surveillance to manage their prostate cancer. Biospecimens (blood, urine, tissue) will be collected and stored for use in biomarker studies.

This study aims to enroll at least 400 participants at six clinical sites in the United States and Canada. To be eligible for the study, men must have previously untreated, clinically localized prostate cancer and must have elected active surveillance as a management plan for prostate cancer.

Additional Information

To find out more about prostate cancer, please click on the links provided or contact the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-Cancer (1-800-422-6237) or TTY: 1-800-332-8615. In Canada, call the Canadian Cancer Society's Cancer Information Service at 1-888-939-3333.

United States Cancer Information Service
Canadian Cancer Society's Cancer Information Service
National Cancer Institute

Study Sites and Contacts

Stanford University
Michelle Ferrari, RN
650-725-5543

University of California, San Francisco
Imelda Tenggara-Hunter
415-353-7348

University of British Columbia
Jonathan Ma
(604) 875-4111 Ext. 66557

University of Washington
Sharon Downing, RN
206-598-0850

Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System
Crystal Kimmie
206-277-5598

University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio
Linda Hernandez, BSN, RN
210-450-1741