NIHR St George’s Clinical Research Facility recruits 10th patient to major UK prostate cancer trial ELIPSE

St George’s has recruited its 10th patient to the ELIPSE prostate cancer trial, marking a significant milestone for the site and its research teams.

The achievement was praised by Maria Ntessalen, Trial Manager for ELIPSE, who wrote, "Congratulations on your tenth randomisation for ELIPSE!!” She described the milestone as a “huge” moment and thanked our Clinical Research Facility (CRF) staff for their “incredible support in this important trial”.

ELIPSE — Evaluation of Lymphadenectomy In High-Risk Prostate Cancer Surgery — is a major UK-based, multicentre randomised controlled trial examining whether removing pelvic lymph nodes (pelvic lymph node dissection, or PLND) during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy improves outcomes for men with high-risk localised prostate cancer.

The study aims to address an important gap in evidence. Although many surgeons routinely remove pelvic lymph nodes during prostate cancer surgery, it is not yet clear whether this reduces the risk of cancer recurrence. The procedure can also lead to complications, including lymphoedema, pain and infection.

In ELIPSE, participants are randomly allocated with an equal chance to receive either the radical prostatectomy plus pelvic lymph node removal or the radical prostatectomy alone.

Nationally, the trial aims to recruit 1,080 men across 25 UK hospitals, with participants followed up for three years to monitor cancer recurrence, quality of life and complications.

St George’s progress reflects close collaboration across clinical and research services, alongside support from the CRF Oncology Research team, helping ensure high-quality delivery while maintaining strong recruitment momentum.