Clinical Hub Aberystwyth
Your Health Matters
OSCAR: Omics
Approaches to Urological Cancer Diagnosis
Welcome to the OSCAR study
Current screening for prostate cancer (PCa) leads to a high level of overdiagnosis. As a result, many men go through invasive tests and arduous treatment that they do not need. New biomarkers, found through innovative screening approaches, could change this.
Omics is a rapidly growing field that shows increasing promise for identifying biological markers of disease. Metabolomics captures a snapshot of metabolism and can be seen as the sum of all omic approaches, because it integrates transcriptomic and translational regulatory mechanisms.
OSCAR is a collaboration between Aberystwyth University (AU) and health boards across the UK. Using a “big biology” omic approach, we screen for novel metabolic changes in men with PCa that can support both the diagnosis and prognosis of the disease. Our goal is to develop these metabolites into point of care tests, for example based on lateral flow systems.
The OSCAR Strategy
We work with blood and urine samples kindly donated by patients and volunteers, and use so called “omic” approaches to find out exactly what is in them. By examining genes, proteins, biochemicals and microbes, we can see what is different in people with prostate cancer compared with people who have a range of other diseases.
OSCAR Recruiting Across the UK
Samples are being collected at NHS hospitals across England and Wales. Explore the map to see every site taking part.
Recruitment progress
Approximately 2,000 participants recruited so far, working towards a recruitment target of 10,000.
Who is included
Our main focus is prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but other urological cancers, such as bladder and kidney cancer, are also included.
Samples and analysis
Authorised to collect urine, blood and biopsy samples.
Analysis approved under IRAS covers multiple techniques across all the omics platforms.
Study details
NIHR Portfolio Study
IRAS 277100
REC 21/SC/0319
Closing date 2031
Using the map
Select any pin to see the hospital name and whether it is currently recruiting or one of the new hospitals joining in 2025.
Meet the Team
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POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER
Dr Tracy Richmond-Knight
Translational Medicine & Biomarker Discovery
Tracy is a postdoctoral researcher at Aberystwyth University specialising in translational medicine, with a focus on discovering and developing noninvasive biomarkers for cancer diagnosis. She completed her PhD as part of the OSCAR study, identifying urinary biomarkers for prostate cancer, and now leads the study’s translational pipeline, turning research findings into viable diagnostic tests. Tracy works closely with clinical and commercial partners to support validation studies, regulatory submissions and test development.
PHD STUDENT
Cameron Tait
Cameron has recently rejoined the team as a PhD student. He is keen to work in research and medicine, focusing on human disease, developing novel therapies and tackling diseases that have historically had a high mortality rate. After completing his PhD, he aims to gain further experience and knowledge as a postdoctoral researcher.
MRES STUDENT
Cori Kite
Cori recently joined the team as an MRes student in Biosciences and is eager to contribute to clinical research and development. With a particular interest in human health and disease, she hopes to further understanding of the field and help develop novel technologies and therapies. After her Master’s, she plans to continue on to a PhD.
BETSI CADWALADR UNIVERSITY HEALTH BOARD
Maelor Academic Unit of Medical & Surgical Sciences (MAUMSS)
MAUMSS supports research within BCUHB and promotes collaborative academic activity more widely. It is led by three clinical and academic consultants and staffed by an interdisciplinary team of academics, clinicians and scientists. Its laboratories are supported by technicians and equipped with state of the art molecular, analytical and diagnostic equipment.
KEY WORKERS
Research Officers and Nurses
OSCAR greatly appreciates the heroic contribution of the Research Officers and Nurses working across many NHS institutions.
ADVISORY BOARD
Patient and Public Involvement
OSCAR could not function without the advice and guidance of its Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) team. The PPI team is led by the Wrexham Prostate Cancer Support Group.
Thank You
The OSCAR team is indebted to the volunteers who are helping us improve prostate cancer detection and treatment.
By working together with others around the world, we will beat it!
OSCAR Publications
CONFERENCE ABSTRACT
OSCAR Study: Omics Approaches to Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
Presented at the Welsh Urological Society Annual Meeting, January 2023. View abstract
STUDY REGISTRATION
OSCAR: Omics Approaches to Urological Cancer Diagnosis
Health Research Authority research summary. IRAS 277100, REC 21/SC/0319. View summary
NEWS
New rapid prostate cancer test in development
Aberystwyth University news, December 2024, on the lateral flow test being developed from OSCAR biomarkers with Valley Diagnostics. Read the story
Welsh researchers develop new test for the most common cancer amongst men
ITV Wales, 17 December 2024. Watch and read
Watch this space: there are exciting developments coming soon, and more OSCAR publications are on the way.
