Investigating genetic markers of aggressive prostate cancer in African American men
Epigenomic and transcriptomic markers of aggressive prostate cancer among African American men
This study is looking into why African American men tend to have more aggressive prostate cancer than European American men, and it hopes to find specific markers in their tumors that can help doctors predict how serious the cancer might be, ultimately aiming to improve treatment options for all patients.
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-10846346 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding why African American men are more likely to experience aggressive prostate cancer compared to European American men. It aims to identify specific DNA methylation and RNA expression markers in prostate tumors that could help predict the aggressiveness of the cancer. By analyzing archival prostate tissue from a diverse patient population, the study seeks to improve prognostication and treatment decisions for patients. The research will utilize advanced array-based technology to differentiate between aggressive and non-aggressive forms of prostate cancer based on established Gleason scores.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are African American men diagnosed with prostate cancer, particularly those with varying Gleason scores.
Not a fit: Patients who are not African American or those with non-prostate cancers may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prediction of prostate cancer aggressiveness, allowing for more personalized and effective treatment options for African American men.
How similar studies have performed: While there is growing evidence supporting the use of genetic markers in cancer prognostication, few studies have specifically focused on African American men, making this research both novel and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barry, Kathryn Hughes — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Barry, Kathryn Hughes
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.