Immune cells and signals in enlarged prostate (BPH)
Immune microenvironment in BPH pathogenesis
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11142401
This project looks at how immune signals in the prostate might cause or worsen BPH in men with prostate enlargement.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | STANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11142401 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will compare prostate tissue from men with BPH to normal prostate tissue to find immune-related differences. They will use gene expression profiling and other molecular tests to focus on immune pathways, especially the chemokine CXCL13. The team aims to define immune-related subtypes of BPH that could explain why symptoms develop. Findings may point to new targets for treatments that address disease mechanisms rather than only easing symptoms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are men with a clinical diagnosis of BPH or prostate enlargement who can provide tissue samples or join observational studies.
Not a fit: Men whose urinary symptoms are caused by other diagnoses such as prostate cancer or non-prostate conditions may not benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new targeted therapies for BPH that treat underlying immune-driven causes instead of just relieving symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: Prior gene-expression work has suggested immune involvement in BPH and identified CXCL13 as a lead, but immune-targeted treatments for BPH remain largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
STANFORD, UNITED STATES
- STANFORD UNIVERSITY — STANFORD, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WEST, ROBERT B — STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: WEST, ROBERT B
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.