Improving prostate cancer screening using genetic profiles
Official title: The Prostate Cancer, Genetic Risk, and Equitable Screening Study (ProGRESS): A pragmatic trial of precision prostate cancer screening
Funded at VA Boston Health Care System · NIH-11043331 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how we can improve prostate cancer screening by using genetic information to find men who are more likely to have serious prostate cancer, so they can get the right tests and treatments without unnecessary procedures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Boston Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002635-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11043331 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are American men, particularly those with a family history of prostate cancer or those belonging to high-risk groups, such as Black men.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for prostate cancer or those who have already been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to enhance prostate cancer screening by using genetic information to identify men at high risk for clinically significant prostate cancer. The study aims to develop a precision screening approach that tailors screening strategies based on individual genetic profiles, which may include both rare variants and polygenic risk scores. By focusing on genetic predictors, the research seeks to reduce unnecessary treatments and improve outcomes for men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Participants may undergo genetic testing to better inform their screening process and treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized prostate cancer screening, reducing unnecessary treatments and improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using genetic information for cancer screening, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in prostate cancer detection.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Boston Health Care System
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vassy, Jason L — VA Boston Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Vassy, Jason L
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AR and RNA-binding in prostate cancer resistance
A cancer research grant exploring how the androgen receptor’s interaction with RNA may drive treatment resistance in prostate cancer, with potential to guide new therapies.
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.