Androgen receptor changes in castration-resistant prostate cancer
Androgen Receptor Action in Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer
Looks at whether changes in the androgen receptor let prostate cancer survive hormone therapy and whether those weaknesses can be targeted to help men with castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11198064 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers study how the androgen receptor controls genes that let prostate cancer cells survive and grow and how tumors adapt to escape modern anti-androgen treatments. They map AR binding sites and analyze genomic and epigenomic changes in tumor tissue, laboratory models, and patient-derived samples, then test drugs that might exploit newly discovered vulnerabilities. The program includes projects focused on AR-driven survival pathways and on mechanisms of resistance to AR antagonists, using molecular profiling and preclinical testing to guide therapy choices. Results are intended to identify specific markers and treatment approaches that could move into clinical trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Men with advanced prostate cancer that no longer responds to standard androgen-deprivation or AR-targeted therapies, especially those willing to provide tumor tissue or participate in clinical trials, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage localized prostate cancer or tumors driven by non-AR mechanisms may not receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new drug targets or biomarkers to help treat or delay castration-resistant prostate cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies support a continued central role for AR in resistant prostate cancer and some AR-targeted treatments work, but many resistance mechanisms remain novel and under active study.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Balk, Steven P. — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Balk, Steven P.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.