Improving prostate cancer detection using specific biomarkers from body fluids
Official title: The Rigor and Clinical Utility of PSMA Enriched Extracellular Vesicles for Prostate Cancer Detection
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-10886811 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to find prostate cancer more accurately by using tiny particles released by cancer cells in blood and urine, which could help men get tested without needing painful biopsies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | July 12, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $477,798 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA272766-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10886811 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are men who are at risk for prostate cancer and may require screening or biopsy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer or those who are not at risk for prostate cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer by utilizing extracellular vesicles (EVs) that are released by cancer cells into body fluids like blood and urine. The study aims to develop a method to selectively extract EVs that express the Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA), which could improve the accuracy of prostate cancer screening and reduce the need for invasive biopsies. By collaborating with experts in clinical-grade EV biomarker analysis, the research seeks to create a more precise profile for identifying prostate cancer, potentially leading to better patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce unnecessary prostate biopsies and improve the accuracy of prostate cancer detection.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using biomarkers for cancer detection, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in prostate cancer screening.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Punnen, Sanoj — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Punnen, Sanoj
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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.