Core biomarker lab for breast cancer BRCA2 and aggressive prostate cancer
Official title: Core-Biomarker Reference Laboratory
Funded at Old Dominion University · NIH-11415032 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-facing biomarker program at a university lab aims to find and validate tests that help identify aggressive prostate cancers and BRCA2-related risks earlier.
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) | $13,329 |
| NIH project number | 5U2CCA271894-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11415032 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Men newly diagnosed with localized prostate cancer, especially those with germline BRCA2 variants or suspected high-risk lesions, and those undergoing urine or tissue biomarker testing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without aggressive disease or without participation in biomarker testing may not experience direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to develop and validate protein and gene-based biomarkers in urine and tumor tissues to distinguish aggressive prostate cancers from indolent cases and to stratify risk for BRCA2 variant carriers. It uses proteogenomic discovery, validated assays, and cross-referenced decision algorithms to improve early detection and treatment decisions. The work will generate clinically robust tests that could be used alongside MRI and existing clinical data to guide care. The research is centered at Old Dominion University and focuses on translating molecular findings into practical, lab-based tests for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more accurate risk assessment and better-tailored treatment plans for aggressive prostate cancer and BRCA2-related risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous biomarker validation efforts in oncology have shown promise, and this project builds on established urine- and tissue-based biomarker approaches with cross-cohort validation.
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.