Improving Prostate Cancer Screening and Biopsy Decisions
Influence of intra-individual variability in serial screening samples on clinical decision-making for risk stratification and biopsy by a single PSA and additional markers
This project helps us understand how blood tests can better predict prostate cancer risk and guide decisions about biopsies, aiming to reduce unnecessary procedures for men.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11160736 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that PSA blood tests help find prostate cancer early, but sometimes they lead to biopsies that aren't needed. This project looks at how PSA levels can change over time in the same person and how these changes affect decisions about further testing. We are also exploring other markers in the blood, like a group of four kallikrein (4K) markers and microseminoprotein-ß (MSP), which might give a clearer picture of your prostate cancer risk. By understanding these markers better, we hope to improve how we decide who truly needs a biopsy and who can safely avoid one.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are men undergoing prostate cancer screening, especially those with elevated PSA levels who are considering a biopsy.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing prostate cancer screening or who have already been diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more accurate prostate cancer screening, helping men avoid unnecessary biopsies while still catching high-risk cancers early.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that using a panel of four kallikrein (4K) markers can improve the accuracy of detecting high-grade prostate cancer and reduce unnecessary biopsies.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eastham, James a — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Eastham, James a
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.