Investigating how CD44 and Hyaluronan contribute to aggressive prostate cancer
Official title: Role of the CD44/Hyaluronan axis in mesenchymal prostate cancer
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10896210 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain molecules in the body might make a tough type of prostate cancer even harder to treat, and it aims to find new ways to help patients with this aggressive cancer feel better and respond to treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $522,281 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA277857-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10896210 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer exhibiting mesenchymal traits or treatment resistance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage prostate cancer or those whose cancer does not exhibit mesenchymal characteristics may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how certain molecular mechanisms, specifically the CD44/Hyaluronan axis, contribute to a more aggressive form of prostate cancer known as mesenchymal and stem-like prostate cancer (MSPC). The study aims to identify how the loss of a specific protein (PKCλ/ι) leads to changes in tumor characteristics that promote treatment resistance. By examining these pathways, researchers hope to find new therapeutic targets that could improve treatment outcomes for patients with this aggressive cancer type.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that specifically target the aggressive features of mesenchymal prostate cancer, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting molecular pathways in aggressive cancers, suggesting that this approach could also yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Diaz Meco Conde, Maria Teresa — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Diaz Meco Conde, Maria Teresa
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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.