Blocking the MYC protein to help treat prostate cancer
Project 1: Targeting the MYC Pathway in Prostate Cancer
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · NIH-11181015
New small-molecule drugs that block the MYC protein are being developed to help men with advanced, treatment-resistant prostate cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11181015 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers used computer-based screening of millions of chemical compounds to find molecules that attach to the MYC cancer protein, then tested the most promising compounds in prostate cancer cells and mouse models. The team showed these compounds engage MYC inside cells, disrupt its function, and kill castration-resistant and neuroendocrine prostate cancer cells in preclinical tests. The compounds have shown favorable drug-like properties, pharmacokinetics, and early safety signals in animal studies, supporting further development toward human testing. The overall approach aims to turn a hard-to-target cancer driver into a new targeted therapy for advanced prostate cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be men with advanced, castration-resistant prostate cancer (including neuroendocrine variants) whose tumors show high MYC activity or progression after anti-androgen therapy.
Not a fit: Men with early-stage, localized, low-risk prostate cancer or tumors that do not rely on MYC signaling are unlikely to benefit from MYC-targeting therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a new targeted drug that shrinks or slows growth of advanced, therapy-resistant prostate cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Direct small-molecule targeting of MYC is largely unproven in the clinic, though multiple preclinical studies including these novel compounds have shown promising anti-tumor activity in cells and animal models.
Where this research is happening
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
- NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY — CHICAGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ABDULKADIR, SARKI A. — NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: ABDULKADIR, SARKI A.
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.