Biomarkers to identify aggressive prostate cancer early
Official title: Biomarker Discovery & Validation for Early Localized Prostate Cancer Administrative Core
Funded at Old Dominion University · NIH-11415029 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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) | $9,616 |
| NIH project number | 5U2CCA271894-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11415029 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Men with newly diagnosed localized prostate cancer whose disease status and risk are being evaluated for treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-localized or rapidly progressing disease may not directly benefit from these biomarker tests.
What this research studies
This project uses proteogenomic methods to discover biomarkers in prostate fluids and tumor tissue that distinguish aggressive from slow-growing cancer. It will validate these markers in urine and tissue samples, and create practical tests and decision tools to help doctors classify risk. If successful, these biomarkers could guide who needs definitive treatment versus active surveillance. The work involves labs that analyze proteins and genes, and it references real patient samples from existing cohorts. Participation could involve providing samples or data if you are already part of related studies at the institution.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, men with localized prostate cancer could receive more accurate risk assessment and tailored treatment decisions.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary biomarker studies in prostate cancer have shown promise, with ongoing work in biomarker panels improving risk stratification.
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.
-
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.
-
Better tests to find aggressive early prostate cancer
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.
-
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.