Improving Prostate Cancer Detection and Biopsy Decisions

Prostate Cancer Biomarker and Imaging Validation Alliance: Emory University, University of Alabama Birmingham, and University of Texas Southwestern

NIH-funded research Emory University · NIH-11161486

This work aims to help men with prostate cancer by finding better ways to decide who needs a biopsy and how to target those biopsies more accurately.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEmory University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Atlanta, United States)
Project IDNIH-11161486 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Our goal is to make prostate cancer early detection better by using new markers in the body and improved imaging techniques. We want to reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies and avoid finding cancers that would never cause harm. We have collected many samples and imaging data from men before their biopsies to develop and test these new methods. This includes looking at combinations of markers in urine and blood, and developing advanced imaging approaches to guide biopsies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are men at risk for prostate cancer or those considering a prostate biopsy, particularly African American men who are mentioned in the keywords.

Not a fit: Patients who have already been diagnosed with prostate cancer or are not undergoing screening for the disease may not directly benefit from this early detection focus.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to fewer unnecessary prostate biopsies and more accurate detection of aggressive prostate cancer, improving care for many men.

How similar studies have performed: Prior work from this group has contributed to the FDA approval of the Prostate Health Index (phi) and urinary PCA3, showing success with similar biomarker approaches.

Where this research is happening

Atlanta, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.