Investigating a new treatment approach for prostate cancer that resists standard therapies
Official title: Targeting a Novel Signaling Nexus pACK/pCSK/pLCK in Immune Checkpoint Blockade (ICB)-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10876452 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how prostate cancer can become resistant to regular treatments and is testing a new approach to help the immune system fight the cancer better by blocking a protein called ACK1, which might help improve outcomes for men with advanced prostate cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $460,148 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA276502-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10876452 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced prostate cancer who have developed resistance to standard hormone therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage prostate cancer or those who have not yet undergone hormone therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how prostate cancer develops resistance to standard treatments, particularly in cases known as Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC). It explores the role of a specific protein, ACK1, in preventing immune cells from attacking the tumor. By using a new small molecule inhibitor to block ACK1, the study aims to enhance the immune response against prostate cancer. Researchers will also utilize genetically modified mice to observe how changes in ACK1 affect immune cell activation and tumor growth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for prostate cancer, particularly for patients whose cancer has become resistant to current therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways in other cancers, suggesting that this approach may also be effective in prostate cancer.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mahajan, Nupam P — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Mahajan, Nupam P
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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.