PSA diagnostic case studies

Dr. Sam Merriel is a GP in North-West England and a NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer at the Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research at the University of Manchester. He’s also an Associate Editor of the British Journal of General Practice, reflecting his deep engagement with advancing research and clinical practice in primary care. Sam’s main research focus is on the early detection and prevention of cancer in primary care, with a specific interest in evaluating and implementing new diagnostic tests. He has conducted extensive research into prostate cancer diagnosis, exploring the role of symptoms, the accuracy of the PSA test in primary care, and the potential of prostate MRI to improve diagnostic pathways. In addition to his research, Sam has served on the NICE prostate cancer guidelines update committee in 2021 and has been a key contributor to various expert reference groups, including those for Prostate Cancer UK, Movember, the National Cancer Research Institute, and NHS England. Sam’s work has made a significant impact on how we think about prostate cancer diagnosis in primary care.

Dr. Olly Hulson is a Consultant Radiologist at Leeds Teaching Hospitals with a specialised focus on prostate cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. Olly has been instrumental in advancing prostate cancer care, particularly through his introduction of transperineal prostate biopsy in Leeds, a technique that he’s also helped implement across centres in Yorkshire and the North of England. Beyond his technical expertise, Olly is deeply committed to addressing health inequalities in prostate cancer diagnosis. He has been actively working with Prostate Cancer UK and local charities to tackle these disparities, ensuring that more men have equitable access to the diagnostic tools they need. Olly’s leadership in the field is further highlighted by his participation in the inaugural Prostate Cancer UK Clinical Champions Programme and his current role on their Clinical Advisory Group. His contributions are helping to shape the future of prostate cancer diagnosis and care, not only in his region but across the UK.