Improving Radiation for Prostate Cancer by Targeting Metabolism
Metabolic implications of radiation response in oligometastatic prostate cancer.
This research explores how changes in metabolism within prostate cancer cells affect their response to radiation, aiming to find new ways to make radiation therapy more effective for patients with limited cancer spread.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11171452 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Cancer cells often change how they use energy, which can help them spread and resist treatment. This project looks at how these metabolic changes in prostate cancer, especially when it has spread to a few spots, influence how well radiation therapy works. Researchers want to identify which patients might benefit from special diets or medications that target these metabolic pathways. The goal is to make radiation therapy more powerful and reduce cancer progression by understanding and adjusting the tumor's energy use. Early findings suggest that dietary changes, like caloric restriction, might boost the body's immune response against the tumor when combined with radiation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is focused on prostate cancer patients with oligometastatic disease, meaning their cancer has spread to a limited number of other areas.
Not a fit: Patients with localized prostate cancer or widespread metastatic disease may not directly benefit from the specific metabolic interventions explored in this particular research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary or drug-based strategies that make radiation therapy more effective for prostate cancer patients with limited spread.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary data from this team suggests that dietary changes can alter tumor metabolism and improve anti-tumor immunity when combined with radiation.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Simone, Nicole L — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Simone, Nicole L
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.