Grandfather-of-five takes part in UK’s largest surgical trial for prostate cancer

When Kevin McDonald from, originally from Taff’s Well but now living in Pontyclun, turned 70, he was fit and active and looking forward to spending much of his retirement playing sport with his five grandsons. What he did not expect was to get diagnosed with prostate cancer and start taking part in the ELIPSE (Evaluation of Lymphadenectomy In High Risk Prostate Cancer Surgery) research study.

Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer in Wales, accounting for over a quarter of all new male cancer diagnoses. Early symptoms can be subtle, such as needing to use the toilet more frequently, particularly overnight. Kevin said:

“I hadn’t noticed anything particular. I was sometimes up in the night to use the toilet but I didn’t think much of it.”

“When my PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test came back high, I was referred to the Royal Glamorgan Hospital, where they did an MRI scan and then biopsies.”

Kevin saw one of the oncology consultants from Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff, who talked him through his results and options, which were either radiotherapy or surgery. Kevin added:

“It felt very daunting. When you’re diagnosed with cancer all sorts of things go through your mind. I thought about my sons and my grandsons. It felt the right thing to do to have the surgery and get it out rather than have the radiotherapy.”

How did you find out about the study?

Two different types of surgery are commonly offered to men like Kevin with high-risk localised prostate cancer: removal of the prostate and lymph nodes or  the removal of the prostate alone. There is not currently enough evidence to guide patients and clinicians on which approach is best but the ELIPSE trial hopes to change that. 

The ELIPSE study is UK’s largest surgical urological study, aiming looks into two different types of surgery for men with high-risk localised prostate cancer - cancer that has not spread elsewhere in the body but is at risk of doing so.

Kevin was referred to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, where he was approached by a nurse about taking part in the ELIPSE trial. Kevin said:

“I had reservations first of all, but had a follow-up call with the nurse which reassured me and I decided to go for it.”

What was your experience of taking part in the study?   

Kevin underwent surgery in January to have both his prostate and seminal gland removed. He is now feeling well and will continue to take part in follow-up questionnaires for the next 36 months, all helping the study team gather crucial evidence on the best treatment choices to improve care. 

Kevin said:

“In my mind there was no harm done being part of the research study if it helped others. It could be of benefit to the medical profession and to other patients in the future.”

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