Better tests to detect aggressive prostate cancer early
Biomarker Reference Laboratory
This project develops urine- and lab-based tests to help men with elevated PSA find aggressive prostate cancer sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11163362 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, a team at the University of Michigan, Vanderbilt, and industry partners is creating clinical-grade lab tests that look for prostate cancer signals in urine and other samples. They will expand on the existing MyProstateScore approach by measuring known markers like TMPRSS2:ERG and PCA3 alongside newly identified high-grade cancer biomarkers. Work will take place in a CLIA laboratory with steps for assay development, optimization, scaling, and clinical validation together with partner clinics. The aim is to produce reliable tests doctors can use to guide biopsy decisions and catch cancers that need early treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Men with elevated PSA, abnormal screening results, or other risk factors who are weighing whether to have a prostate biopsy or additional testing.
Not a fit: Men without prostate cancer risk factors or those already receiving treatment for advanced prostate cancer are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these tests could help detect dangerous prostate cancers earlier and reduce unnecessary biopsies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work such as the MyProstateScore test has successfully used urine biomarkers to inform biopsy decisions, and this project builds on that proven approach.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tosoian, Jeffrey John — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Tosoian, Jeffrey John
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.