Biomarker Lab for better prostate cancer risk and progression tests
Official title: Core-Biomarker Development Laboratory
Funded at Old Dominion University · NIH-11415031 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are building and validating protein and gene-based tests from urine and tissue to better identify aggressive prostate cancer early so men can get the right 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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $4,336 |
| NIH project number | 5U2CCA271894-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11415031 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Men with newly diagnosed localized prostate cancer, particularly those with BRCA2 variants or MRI-invisible high-grade lesions, may benefit from the developed tests.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with very low-risk disease or those not undergoing biomarker-guided decision processes may not directly benefit from these assays.
What this research studies
This project aims to find reliable biomarkers in urine and tumor tissues that distinguish slow-growing from dangerous prostate cancers. It uses proteogenomic methods to develop robust, clinically usable assays and decision tools. The work includes validating urine biomarkers in existing cohorts, creating tests for MRI-invisible high-grade lesions, and sub-stratifying risk for men with BRCA2 variants to tailor management. The research plan emphasizes early detection and improved risk stratification to guide treatment decisions for patients newly diagnosed with localized disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more accurate risk assessments and more personalized treatment plans, reducing overtreatment and focusing therapy on those with aggressive disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous biomarker development efforts in prostate cancer have shown promise in predicting progression, though this project combines proteogenomic approaches and clinical benchmarking that remains to be proven in practice.
Where this research is happening
-
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boutros, Paul Christopher — Old Dominion University
- Study coordinator: Boutros, Paul Christopher
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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.