Epigenetic aging and racial disparities in early-onset prostate cancer
Official title: Epigenetic aging as a driver of racial disparities in early onset prostate cancer
Funded at Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp · NIH-11397784 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies whether biological aging markers differ in African American men with prostate cancer and if that helps explain why they face higher risk and earlier onset.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Buffalo, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $688,656 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA298785-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11397784 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
African American men diagnosed with prostate cancer, and age-matched European American men for comparison.
✕Less likely to help
People without prostate cancer or those not represented in the study populations may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
The project looks at how epigenetic aging, especially ribosomal DNA methylation, relates to early-onset prostate cancer in African American men. Researchers will compare rDNA methylation age at diagnosis between African American and European American patients and examine how race and age interact with cancer biology. By using patient tissue samples and aging markers, the study aims to identify molecular clues that could explain disparities. The findings could point toward personalized approaches to risk assessment and prevention in high-risk groups.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to better risk stratification and targeted prevention or treatment strategies for African American men at risk of early-onset prostate cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests epigenetic aging markers are linked to cancer biology, but this specific racial disparity focus is relatively novel and exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp
Buffalo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Woloszynska-Read, Anna — Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp
- Study coordinator: Woloszynska-Read, Anna
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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.