Improving radiation therapy for prostate cancer using targeted molecules
Official title: PSMA ligand radiosensitizers to improve the therapeutic index of external beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer
Funded at Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11057708 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new ways to make radiation therapy for prostate cancer work better by using special molecules that target cancer cells, which could help improve treatment results and reduce side effects for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $88,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R03CA286680-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057708 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with high-risk or metastatic prostate cancer who are undergoing radiation therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-prostate cancers or those who are not receiving radiation therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of radiation therapy for prostate cancer by developing specialized molecules that target prostate-specific antigens. The approach involves creating two new compounds that link a PSMA ligand to radiation-sensitizing agents, which may improve the treatment's efficacy while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. The research will include laboratory tests on prostate cancer cell lines and animal models to evaluate how well these new compounds work and their potential side effects. Patients may benefit from improved treatment options that could lead to better outcomes and fewer complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective radiation treatments for prostate cancer with reduced side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results using targeted therapies in cancer treatment, suggesting potential for success with this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Higginson, Daniel — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Higginson, Daniel
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Reducing prostate cancer radiotherapy toxicity through genes and technology
A study to find genetic clues that predict who will have side effects from prostate cancer radiotherapy and to use new tools to reduce those risks.
-
MRI and blood tests to predict prostate cancer outcomes after radiation
This project uses repeated MRI scans and blood-based tumor markers to find early signs that predict how men with intermediate or high-risk prostate cancer do after radiation and hormone therapy.
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Tiny urine particles that may signal or cause bladder damage after prostate cancer radiation
Researchers will look at small particles in urine and blood to find markers or mechanisms of bladder damage in men treated with radiation for prostate cancer.
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Investigating imaging and blood markers to improve prostate cancer treatment outcomes
This study is looking to help men with intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer who are getting radiation treatment by finding early signs that show how well the treatment is working, using special imaging and blood tests, so doctors can make better decisions about their care.
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Making prostate cancer radiation treatment safer using genetics
This work aims to discover genetic markers that can help predict which prostate cancer patients might experience side effects from radiation therapy, allowing for more personalized care.
-
Investigating how tiny particles affect bladder toxicity in prostate cancer patients after radiation treatment
This study is looking at tiny particles in the body called extracellular vesicles to see if they can help predict bladder problems in prostate cancer patients who have had radiation treatment, with the goal of finding better ways to manage these issues.
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.