Investigating a pathway to improve immune responses in prostate cancer patients
Targeting the cGAS/STING Pathway to Overcome Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in PTEN-deficient Prostate Cancer
This study is looking at how to make cancer treatments work better for men with advanced prostate cancer that has stopped responding to hormone therapy, especially those whose tumors have lost a specific gene, by exploring ways to boost the immune system's ability to fight the cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10911174 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the cGAS/STING pathway can be targeted to enhance the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with metastatic, castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who have a loss of the PTEN gene. The study involves analyzing the tumor microenvironment and the interactions between cancer cells and immune cells, particularly how these interactions contribute to resistance against current therapies. By exploring the mechanisms of immune suppression and potential ways to activate immune responses, the research aims to identify new treatment strategies that could improve patient outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic, castrate-resistant prostate cancer who have a loss of the PTEN gene.
Not a fit: Patients with prostate cancer who do not have PTEN loss or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for prostate cancer patients who currently do not respond to existing immune therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in targeting similar pathways to enhance immune responses in cancer treatment, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patnaik, Akash — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Patnaik, Akash
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.