Investigating how CD44 and Hyaluronan contribute to aggressive prostate cancer

Role of the CD44/Hyaluronan axis in mesenchymal prostate cancer

NIH-funded research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10896210

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10896210 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer exhibiting mesenchymal traits or treatment resistance.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage prostate cancer or those whose cancer does not exhibit mesenchymal characteristics may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.