How aging affects prostate cancer through immune cell imbalance
Official title: The Impact of Aging on Prostate Cancer with Age-Related Disruption of Th17/Treg Axis
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11007185 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how getting older affects the immune system and may increase the risk of prostate cancer, aiming to find new ways to prevent or treat the disease in older men.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2021 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $347,700 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA255802-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11007185 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are elderly men who are at risk for or diagnosed with prostate cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger or do not have prostate cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between aging and prostate cancer, focusing on how age-related changes in immune cells may contribute to the disease. It examines the balance between pro-inflammatory Th17 cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells, which is disrupted in older adults, potentially leading to increased cancer risk. By studying prostate tissue and immune responses in elderly patients and aged mice, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that drive prostate cancer progression in older men. The ultimate goal is to develop new strategies for preventing or treating prostate cancer in the aging population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments or preventive measures for prostate cancer specifically tailored for older men.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that immune cell imbalances contribute to cancer progression, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Qiuyang — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Qiuyang
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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.