Finding new ways to treat advanced prostate cancer

Testing ATAD2 as a new therapeutic target for advanced prostate cancer

NIH-funded research University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11127423

This research looks for new treatments for advanced prostate cancer, especially forms that no longer respond to standard therapies.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Los Angeles NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-11127423 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Prostate cancer is a serious health concern for men, and advanced forms of the disease, particularly those resistant to hormone therapy, are very difficult to treat. This often leads to a more aggressive type called neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), which currently has no cure. Our team has found a protein called ATAD2 that is more active in these aggressive cancers. We are exploring if blocking ATAD2 with new medicines can stop cancer growth and offer a new path for patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is focused on understanding and treating advanced prostate cancer, particularly castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC).

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage prostate cancer that is responsive to standard hormone therapies may not directly benefit from this specific research at its current stage.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new medications for advanced prostate cancer, especially for patients whose cancer has become resistant to current treatments.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies have shown that ATAD2 inhibitors can dramatically suppress the growth of neuroendocrine prostate cancer cells and tumors in laboratory settings.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.