Better tests to find aggressive early prostate cancer
Official title: Biomarker Discovery & Validation for Early Localized Prostate Cancer Administrative Core
Funded at Old Dominion University · NIH-11191534 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project develops urine and tissue biomarker tests and decision tools to help men with early prostate cancer learn whether their cancer is likely to be aggressive and needs treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Old Dominion University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Norfolk, United States) |
| Project start | September 2, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $384,714 |
| NIH project number | 5U2CCA271894-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11191534 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are men with newly diagnosed localized prostate cancer who can provide urine and/or tumor tissue samples, including those with known BRCA2 variants.
✕Less likely to help
Men with advanced or metastatic prostate cancer, or those unable to provide the required urine or tissue samples, are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers will use urine and tumor samples to look for protein and genetic signals that mark dangerous prostate cancers. They will confirm previously identified urine markers in well-characterized patient groups and create new urine and tissue markers for cancers that MRI may miss. The team will also work on markers that clarify risk for men who carry harmful BRCA2 gene variants. Finally, they will build lab tests and decision algorithms intended for reliable use in clinical care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these tests could help men avoid unnecessary treatment or get timely therapy by identifying which early prostate cancers are likely to progress.
How similar studies have gone: Some urine- and tissue-based biomarkers have shown promise in prior work, but their reliability for MRI-invisible tumors and BRCA2 carriers remains limited, so this project aims to confirm and extend promising approaches.
Where this research is happening
-
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Semmes, Oliver John — Old Dominion University
- Study coordinator: Semmes, Oliver John
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Deep learning MRI biomarkers to predict prostate cancer outcomes
A Yale-led project uses advanced MRI images and artificial intelligence to better predict how localized prostate cancer will behave in patients.
-
Exercise therapy to slow progression in localized prostate cancer on active surveillance
A study will test whether a structured home-based exercise program helps men with localized prostate cancer who are on active surveillance avoid moving to treatment or worsening, compared with usual care.
-
Biomarkers to identify aggressive prostate cancer early
A patient-friendly program to find and validate biomarkers in urine and tumor tissue that can flag aggressive prostate cancer early so men can get the right treatment sooner.
-
Home walking program for men on active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer
This project sees if a year-long home treadmill walking program can change cancer-related markers and help men with low-grade prostate cancer on active surveillance avoid early treatment.
-
Precision pre-surgery therapy for high-risk PTEN-loss prostate cancer
This grant plans a targeted, pre-surgical treatment for men with high-risk localized prostate cancer who have PTEN loss, using intensified hormone therapy plus an AKT inhibitor before surgery.
-
Targeted therapy for aggressive prostate cancer with PTEN loss
This study is testing a new treatment for men with high-risk localized prostate cancer that has lost a specific gene, aiming to combine hormone therapy with a special drug before surgery to help shrink the cancer and improve outcomes.
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.