Supporting Groundbreaking Prostate Cancer Research at UCL

At Express Medicals, we are proud to continue supporting the remarkable work of the UCL Cancer Institute. Through our donations, we’ve been able to play a small part in advancing research that is shaping the future of prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. Recently, we had the chance to speak with Professor Mark Emberton, a leading urologist at UCL, about some of the most exciting developments his team has achieved. 

Faster, safer, more accessible MRI Scans 

Professor Emberton explained that one of their biggest milestones has been the introduction of MRI scanning as a first step in prostate cancer diagnosis. This shift, driven by pivotal trials over the past five to six years, has already changed practice worldwide. 

A new study, known as PRIME has been published on JAMA, and the findings are significant. Traditional multi-parametric MRI involved three components, took 30 minutes, and required an injection. The modern two-part scan developed in the trial takes just 10 minutes, does not require an injection, and is just as effective. 

Key highlights of the PRIME trial: 

• Scan time reduced from 30 minutes to 10 minutes 

• No injection required, reducing harm and discomfort 

• Just as accurate as the older three-part scan 

• Cheaper and more accessible for hospitals to deliver 

• Potential to be used as a screening tool every five years to detect risk earlier 

This breakthrough has the potential to transform how men are diagnosed, making the process faster, less invasive and more widely available. 

The role of AI in prostate cancer imaging 

The UCL team is also exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance cancer imaging. With the largest library of prostate MRI scans in the world, they are creating a comprehensive model of prostate cancer that could unlock new possibilities for diagnosis. 

Professor Emberton described future innovations such as: 

• Virtual biopsies, extracting more information from imaging without inserting a needle 

• Hyperpolarised MRI, which could one day remove the need for biopsy altogether 

• Liquid biopsies, offering another non-invasive option for patients 
   

These advances may mean that, in the future, many men will no longer need traditional biopsies, a process that patients often find daunting and invasive. Trials are underway to test these methods, with more planned over the next five years. 

Why we donate  

Donations have supported the background research that enabled these breakthroughs and continue to fuel disruptive, world-leading innovation. 

Professor Emberton emphasised how important this support has been as a powerful example of how generosity can accelerate research and bring real-world innovation into clinical practice, improving outcomes for patients. 

We are proud that contributions from Express Medicals have helped advance this research. Supporting projects like this reflects our commitment to making a positive impact beyond our day-to-day work in occupational health. 

Sources:

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2838799

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2025/sep/millions-men-could-benefit-faster-scan-diagnose-prostate-cancer

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2025/aug/molecular-test-personalises-prostate-cancer-treatment

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2025/may/ai-test-determine-best-prostate-cancer-treatment-could-save-lives-and-money

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/divisions/surgery/research/urology/prime-trial