Healthcare provider, LivingCare Group has been selected as the proposed imaging partner for the IMProVE clinical trial, a prostate cancer early-detection programme funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research.

There is currently no routine national screening programme for prostate cancer in the UK, with testing only offered on request for men over 50 or those deemed to be at higher risk. As one of the first trials of its kind in Yorkshire, this study will be vital in establishing whether a combined approach using blood tests and MRI scans could detect prostate cancer earlier, save lives, and be implemented in a way that effectively addresses health inequalities.

Each year, more than 4,000 men in Yorkshire are told they have prostate cancer with wide disparities in diagnosis and survival between Yorkshire and other parts of England. This trial will explore how screening can be introduced without widening health disparities.

With the trial set to commence in January 2027, LivingCare Group will deliver prostate MRI scans at its Leeds and Sheffield clinics. An initial blood sample will identify participants with raised Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) levels. Participants identified as higher risk will be referred for further imaging and onward clinical care. In addition, participants may opt to contribute to an optional research component involving Polygenic Risk Scoring (PRS), which will not influence clinical management within the trial.

LivingCare Group brings established expertise in diagnostics and advanced imaging, including the operation of 3T MRI scanners in both Leeds and Sheffield, which will support delivery of the imaging component of the trial.

To support the trial, LivingCare is expanding MRI and biopsy capacity and recruiting two healthcare specialists alongside an experienced urologist as participation grows. LivingCare will work collaboratively with the study team to support awareness and engagement activities related to the trial.

Commenting on the proposed partnership, Dr Stephen Feldman, Founder and Director of LivingCare Group, said: “Late diagnosis and ongoing misconceptions around testing remain two of the most significant challenges in prostate cancer care. The IMProVE trial marks a significant step forward in improving early detection, strengthening diagnostic pathways and ultimately patient outcomes.

“With more than 20 years’ experience in diagnostic care, we are pleased to support the imaging component for this important trial and to play a pivotal role in supporting earlier, more accurate diagnosis for patients across Yorkshire.”

The trial is led by Professor James Catto, is sponsored by the University of Sheffield, and coordinated by the Cancer Prevention Trials Unit at Queen Mary University of London (CPTU). The IMProVE trial will recruit 4,500 participants across Leeds and Sheffield through multiple invitation methods, including online registration.

Professor Jim Catto, Professor of Urology at the University of Sheffield and an Honorary Consultant Urological Surgeon at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and lead of IMProVE trial said: “We don't yet know the most effective way to screen men for prostate cancer. The trial will explore the perspectives of high-risk groups, including Black men and men from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, on prostate cancer and screening participation barriers and provide invaluable information to improve patient prospects for years to come.”

Dr Stuart Griffiths, Director of Research, Policy and Impact at Yorkshire Cancer Research said: “Confirming the imaging arrangements for IMProVE is an important step towards delivering this crucial research. Robust, consistent imaging will play a vital role in understanding how best to detect prostate cancer earlier and more accurately. This progress reflects our commitment to generating the high-quality evidence needed to inform future screening decisions and improve early detection and survival for men across Yorkshire and beyond.”

Founded in 2002, LivingCare Group delivers care to private and NHS patients across Yorkshire, with clinical specialisms including urology and prostate health, diagnostic imaging, cardiology, musculoskeletal care, pain management and elite sports medicine.

For more information about LivingCare Group, please visit: www.livingcare.co.uk.