Biomarker Center for Prostate Cancer Risk and Progression
Official title: Virginia-UCLA-Toronto Biomarker Characterization Center
Funded at Old Dominion University · NIH-11415028 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A program to find and validate molecular markers in urine and prostate tissue that can tell which localized prostate cancers are likely to become aggressive.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $27,281 |
| NIH project number | 5U2CCA271894-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11415028 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Men with newly diagnosed localized prostate cancer who may have BRCA2 variants or high-gradient MRI-detected risk.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without prostate cancer or whose conditions do not involve biomarker-based risk stratification may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses proteogenomic methods to identify biomarkers in urine and tumor tissues from men with newly diagnosed localized prostate cancer. It aims to validate these markers in clinical samples and develop robust tests that can be used in early detection and risk stratification. Researchers will create decision algorithms and clinically robust assays to measure multi-protein biomarker panels and help distinguish indolent from dangerous cancers. The work includes validating urine-based markers for grade progression, identifying markers for MRI-invisible high-grade lesions, and sub-stratifying risk for BRCA2 variant carriers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more accurate risk assessments and fewer unnecessary treatments, while those at high risk could receive timely, targeted therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous biomarker studies in prostate cancer have shown promise, but this project emphasizes validated, clinically robust assays and cross-referenced decision algorithms.
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
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.