How aged (senescent) cells affect prostate cancer and the immune system
Uncovering the heterogenous role of senescence in prostate immune suppression and tumorigenesis
Researchers will look at whether senescent (aged) cells in prostate tumors change the immune response and drive aggressive or treatment-resistant cancer in men, with the aim of finding markers and new treatment targets.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11299562 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team is examining how senescent (stress‑aged) cells in the prostate influence inflammation, immune suppression, and tumor growth. They will use genetically engineered mouse models alongside analysis of human prostate tumor samples and blood to identify specific senescent cell types and the inflammatory signals they produce. The researchers will test whether those cells help tumors evade immune attack and promote progression to castration‑resistant disease. The work aims to find biomarkers that predict aggressive cancers and potential targets for therapies that remove or block harmful senescent cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Men with prostate cancer — especially those with high‑risk, recurrent, or treatment‑resistant disease, or those willing to donate tumor tissue or blood samples — would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Men without prostate cancer or those whose tumor is already well controlled by current therapy are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this grant’s research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to biomarkers that predict which prostate cancers will progress and to new treatments that target senescent cells to slow or prevent lethal disease.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal studies show senescent cells can both block and promote cancer, and early preclinical 'senolytic' approaches look promising, but clinical proof in prostate cancer remains limited.
Where this research is happening
Worcester, United States
- Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester — Worcester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ruscetti, Marcus a. — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Ruscetti, Marcus a.
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.