Examining how circulating tumor cells contribute to racial differences in metastatic prostate cancer
Official title: Circulating tumor cell profiling for genomic contributors to racial disparity in metastatic prostate cancer
Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-10953253 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why Black men are more likely to have advanced prostate cancer than white men by examining special cancer cells in their blood, which could help find better treatments for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 12, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $156,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03CA292985-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10953253 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Black men diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have metastatic prostate cancer or are not part of the Black male population may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic and molecular factors that contribute to the higher rates of metastatic prostate cancer in Black men compared to their white counterparts. By utilizing circulating tumor cells (CTCs) as a non-invasive method, the study aims to analyze these cells to understand the unique genetic alterations that may be present in this population. This approach allows for a comprehensive view of the cancer's evolution and characteristics without the need for difficult tissue biopsies. The findings could lead to better-targeted treatments and improved outcomes for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatment strategies for Black men with metastatic prostate cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using circulating tumor cells for cancer profiling have shown promising results, indicating that this approach may be effective in understanding racial disparities in cancer.
Where this research is happening
-
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Chun — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Wang, Chun
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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.