Genetic and molecular signs that predict aggressive prostate cancer
Project 1: Molecular Predictors of Prostate Cancer Progression and Mortality
This project will find out whether inherited DNA changes and a combined genetic risk score can help identify men—especially men of African ancestry—who face higher risk of aggressive or deadly prostate cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11181522 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will recruit men with prostate cancer from diverse ancestries, with an emphasis on non-European and African ancestry patients, to study their inherited genes and tumor tissue. Researchers will test blood and tumor samples to look for rare inherited changes in DNA repair genes like BRCA2 and combine that information with a multi-ancestry polygenic risk score (PRSm). They will build a clinical-grade paired tumor-germline assay, identify which specific genetic variants have the biggest effects, and link these genetic markers to cancer clinical features and outcomes. Finally, the team will offer a tailored prostate cancer screening clinical trial for people judged to be at highest risk based on these combined genetic markers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Men with prostate cancer—particularly those of African ancestry, those with a family history, or those known to carry DNA repair gene variants—are the best fit for participation.
Not a fit: People without prostate cancer, women, or men whose cancers are driven by non-genetic factors may not receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors spot men at highest risk earlier and personalize screening and treatment to prevent advanced prostate cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown links between rare DNA repair gene variants and polygenic risk scores with prostate cancer risk, but combining them into a clinical-grade test and applying this approach in diverse populations and screening trials is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cheng, Heather — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Cheng, Heather
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.