Finding new ways to treat prostate cancer that has become resistant to current therapies
Targeting Vulnerabilities Exposed by Cancer Treatment-Induced Lineage Plasticity
This work looks for new ways to stop prostate cancer cells from changing and becoming resistant to standard treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11121093 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many patients with advanced prostate cancer respond well to initial treatments that target the androgen receptor (AR), but unfortunately, the cancer often returns and becomes resistant. This happens because cancer cells can change their identity, a process called lineage plasticity, making them harder to treat. Our goal is to understand how these cancer cells change and find new weaknesses that we can target. We hope to develop new treatment strategies that can prevent this resistance, prolong the effectiveness of current therapies, and potentially cure some advanced prostate cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for patients with metastatic prostate cancer who have developed or are at risk of developing resistance to androgen receptor-targeting therapies.
Not a fit: Patients whose prostate cancer has not yet developed resistance to androgen receptor-targeting therapies may not directly benefit from this specific approach, as it focuses on overcoming resistance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that prevent prostate cancer from becoming resistant to therapy, offering longer-lasting responses and improved outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanisms of lineage plasticity are still being uncovered, other research has shown that targeting cellular vulnerabilities can be a successful strategy in cancer treatment.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nelson, Peter S — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Nelson, Peter S
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.