How fat cells influence the survival of prostate cancer in bones
Official title: Adipocyte regulation of tumor survival in metastatic prostate cancer: new targets for therapy
Funded at Wayne State University · NIH-10853121 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how prostate cancer cells interact with fat cells in the bones to see how these interactions might help the cancer grow and resist treatment, with the hope of finding new ways to fight metastatic prostate cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2020 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $370,965 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA251394-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10853121 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer, particularly those experiencing bone involvement.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with localized prostate cancer or those without bone metastases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how interactions between prostate cancer cells and fat cells in the bone environment affect tumor growth and treatment response. By using advanced techniques such as mouse models, 3D cultures, and patient samples, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that allow cancer cells to thrive and evade therapies. The focus is on understanding the role of specific proteins and metabolic changes that occur during these interactions, which could lead to new therapeutic targets for metastatic prostate cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that improve outcomes for patients with metastatic prostate cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding tumor microenvironments, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Wayne State University
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Podgorski, Izabela — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Podgorski, Izabela
Related research
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-
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-
Understanding what drives lethal metastatic prostate cancer in men
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-
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-
ASH1L’s role in metastatic prostate cancer and its immune environment
Aims to understand how the ASH1L gene helps prostate cancer spread and how it shapes the immune environment in bone metastases so future therapies can target this process.
-
Molecular drivers of lineage changes and new therapies for metastatic prostate cancer
A multi-year study at a major university will explore how metastatic prostate cancer changes its cell type and how to target those changes to help patients.
-
How gut bacteria may affect prostate cancer therapy and resistance
A new study looks at how gut bacteria make compounds that influence prostate cancer treatments and may drive resistance to therapy.
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.