Creating targeted drugs to treat advanced prostate cancer
Official title: Developing isoform-selective Hsp90 inhibitors for monotherapy and enhanced immunotherapy against lethal prostate cancer
Funded at University of Notre Dame · NIH-11227326 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new drugs that target a specific protein involved in cancer growth, hoping to make treatments for advanced prostate cancer safer and more effective, especially when combined with current immunotherapy options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Notre Dame NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Notre Dame, United States) |
| Project start | June 10, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $551,601 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA297220-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11227326 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, particularly those who have developed resistance to current therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage prostate cancer or those who do not have advanced disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop new drugs that specifically inhibit a protein called Hsp90β, which is important for cancer cell growth. By focusing on this specific protein, the researchers hope to reduce side effects commonly seen with broader treatments. The study will test these new inhibitors in prostate cancer models to see if they can not only stop cancer cell growth but also improve the effectiveness of existing immunotherapy treatments. Patients may benefit from a more effective and safer treatment option for advanced prostate cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and less toxic treatments for patients with advanced prostate cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting Hsp90 inhibitors, indicating potential for success with this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
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University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blagg, Brian S J — University of Notre Dame
- Study coordinator: Blagg, Brian S J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Combination immunotherapy with radioligand therapy for metastatic prostate cancer
A study aims to help men with advanced prostate cancer by combining immune therapy with targeted radiation to boost the body’s own defense against cancer.
-
Androgen deprivation as an immune boost with targeted immunotherapy for prostate cancer
This grant tests whether depriving androgens can boost the body’s immune attack against prostate cancer when combined with a vaccine-style immunotherapy.
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Isoform-selective Hsp90 inhibitors for prostate cancer therapy and immunotherapy
A new drug approach targets a specific protein (Hsp90β) in prostate cancer to fight tumors and boost immune therapy.
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Hormone-lowering treatment plus targeted immunotherapy for prostate cancer
This work combines hormone-lowering therapy with a vaccine that trains the immune system to attack prostate cancer cells for men with advanced prostate cancer.
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Combining targeted radioligand therapy with immunotherapy for advanced prostate cancer
Seeing if adding targeted radioligand therapy to immunotherapy helps men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer by boosting the immune attack on tumors.
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Helping immunotherapy work for metastatic prostate cancer
A new antibody aims to help men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer respond to immunotherapy by blocking an immune-suppressing molecule released by tumors.
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.