Caribbean prostate cancer genetics study gets under way
CariGenetics has begun enrolment into its multi-country Caribbean prostate cancer study and is calling on Bermudian men to participate.
The Caribbean Prostate Cancer Genetic Study brings the genetics firm one step closer to fully launching its Caribbean Genome Programme, which addresses the under-representation of Caribbean populations in global genomic research.
The lack of data creates gaps in clinical research diagnostics and treatments.
The programme aims to generate genomic data from 100,000 Caribbean people by the end of 2027 to improve healthcare in the region and its diaspora.
The study, a proof of concept for the programme, will include 1,000 men from across ten Caribbean islands including Bermuda, which is the first official site to start enrolment.
Registration began in May and only included the patient group, men who had a diagnosis of prostate cancer, or the control group, men who have no cancer or first-degree relative with cancer.
It quickly became clear that the study was missing another key group, men who have no cancer but have a family history of cancer. Based on this, CariGenetics applied for updated ethics approval, receiving it from the Bermuda Hospitals Board Research Ethics Committee on November 3.
The inclusion of this related group allows CariGenetics to assess cancer risk factors in those at high risk, offering insights into hereditary prostate cancer risks within Caribbean populations.
Building on its successful Caribbean Breast Cancer Genetic Study, CariGenetics has decided to improve on the participant experience by partnering with the Hamilton Medical Centre Burnaby Urgent Care and Medical Imaging.
A spokeswoman for CariGenetics said: “HMC will serve as the primary site for the prostate cancer study in Bermuda. Utilising private space on the centre’s second floor, the interviews ensure participant comfort and confidentiality.
“After completing the interview, participants proceed to the phlebotomy area downstairs for their blood draws. Samples taken for genetic sequencing are then transported to Bermuda College for further processing by the CariGenetics lab team.
“For participants in the control and related groups to be eligible, PSA [prostate specific antigen] testing is essential to confirm normal prostate function. Under this partnership, the PSA tests will be conducted on-site at HMC lab with same-day turnaround times, enhancing the efficiency of the study’s operations and making it easier for participants to complete all necessary steps in one visit.“
“We are very pleased to partner with CariGenetics on this seminal research,” said J.J. Soares, the director of HMC.
Dr Soares added: “Early detection is key for the treatment of prostate cancer, and this essential research may very well prove to be a game-changer for the Caribbean region in the fight against this disease.”
So far, 28 men have been recruited in five days of consent interviews.
CariGenetics is renewing its call to Bermudian men to participate in the historic study.
The campaign encourages men on the island to take charge of their health, highlighting the importance of early detection, open discussions and addressing high rates of prostate cancer in the Caribbean.
Carika Weldon, the founder and chief executive of CariGenetics, said: “There remains a critical lack of prostate cancer research specific to Caribbean men and this study marks a major step towards addressing this gap.
“We have intentionally decided to focus on men’s health for this next phase of our research rollout to ensure it has the attention it deserves. Launching in Bermuda first and partnering with HMC allows us to get the job done and provide a more streamlined and supportive experience for all our participants.
“The addition of the related group and same-day PSA testing are both game-changers, bringing us closer to our mission of understanding prostate cancer in Caribbean men. Our community’s participation is vital, and we’re honoured to work with local healthcare providers to make this process seamless and accessible.”
The Bermuda cohort of the Caribbean Prostate Cancer Genetic Study is supported by The Daily Male, Prostate Awareness Bermuda, Masc, the Bermuda Public Services Union and other community partners.
• Men interested in contributing to the research can access further information via the CariGenetics website at www.carigenetics.com/research. To register interest in the study, fill the online eligibility form at forms.gle/BS5Bjz1zTY41dqwz9 or call CariGenetics on +1 (441) 621-6309
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