Exploring how certain drugs can target weaknesses in prostate cancer cells
Prostate Cancer Vulnerabilities to BH3 Mimetic Drugs
This study is looking at new drugs that help kill prostate cancer cells by blocking certain proteins, and it's for men with prostate cancer, especially those whose cancer hasn't responded to regular treatments, to see if combining these drugs can work better for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11111164 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of BH3 mimetic drugs, which are designed to promote cell death in prostate cancer cells by inhibiting specific proteins that prevent apoptosis. The study focuses on understanding how these drugs can be combined to enhance their effectiveness, particularly in cases of prostate cancer that have developed resistance to standard treatments. By examining the genetic and molecular characteristics of prostate cancer cells, the research aims to identify which patients may benefit from these novel therapies. The approach includes preclinical studies and early trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these drug combinations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced prostate cancer, especially those who have shown resistance to androgen deprivation therapies.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage prostate cancer or those who do not have specific genetic alterations affecting apoptotic pathways may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with advanced prostate cancer, particularly those resistant to current therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results with BH3 mimetic drugs in hematological malignancies, but their application in solid tumors like prostate cancer is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Balk, Steven P. — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Balk, Steven P.
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.