Improving early detection of prostate cancer in African American men
Official title: Reducing prostate cancer mortality in African American men by early disease detection using DNA fragmentation profiles and methylated DNA patterns of plasma derived cell free DNA
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-10951041 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for a gentle and easy way to spot prostate cancer early in African American men, who are more likely to face serious health issues from the disease, by using advanced DNA testing on blood samples to find signs of cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 6, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $475,759 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA292755-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10951041 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are African American men who are at risk for or have been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not African American or those who do not have prostate cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a minimally invasive method to detect prostate cancer early in African American men, who are at a higher risk of severe outcomes compared to other populations. The approach utilizes advanced DNA analysis techniques on plasma samples to identify specific patterns that indicate the presence of cancer. By analyzing the fragmentation and methylation profiles of cell-free DNA, the study aims to enhance early diagnosis, which is crucial for improving survival rates. The goal is to implement these next-generation sequencing methods to facilitate timely intervention and reduce mortality associated with prostate cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly lower prostate cancer mortality rates among African American men by enabling earlier diagnosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using DNA fragmentation and methylation patterns for cancer detection, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Szallasi, Zoltan — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Szallasi, Zoltan
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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.