The FOLLOW UP Prostate Cancer Study

How best to care for men with prostate cancer after treatment with surgery, focal therapy and radiotherapy.

For many men, recovery does not end when prostate cancer treatment is completed. People face years of follow-up appointments, tests and uncertainty about what comes next. Professor Rakesh Heer is leading the FOLLOW UP trial, funded by the NIHR for approximately £2M, to find better ways of caring for men after radical treatment. The trial is testing different strategies for monitoring patients after surgery, focal therapy or radiotherapy. These tests include how often follow-up visits are needed, which tests are most useful and how to balance medical safety with quality of life.  The study findings will inform NHS policy in managing prostate cancer follow up. 

The aim is to reduce unnecessary hospital visits while making sure men get the reassurance and support they need at the right times. 

“FOLLOW UP is about listening to patients and designing care that fits their lives”, explains Professor Heer. “We want men to feel safe and supported, without being overburdened by hospital appointments”.