NIH-funded research R21 grant

Investigating how immune cells affect treatment resistance in advanced prostate cancer

Official title: The Role of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Resistance to Bipolar Androgen Therapy in Patients with Advanced Prostate Cancer

Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10810695 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain immune cells in your blood might affect how well Bipolar Androgen Therapy works for men with advanced prostate cancer, with the goal of finding ways to make treatments more effective for those who struggle to respond.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project startApril 1, 2023
Project endMarch 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$181,813
NIH project number5R21CA273501-02
Project IDNIH-10810695 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced prostate cancer who are undergoing or have undergone Bipolar Androgen Therapy.

Less likely to help

Patients with early-stage prostate cancer or those not receiving Bipolar Androgen Therapy may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) influence the effectiveness of Bipolar Androgen Therapy (BAT) in patients with advanced prostate cancer. The approach involves analyzing blood samples from patients before and after BAT to observe changes in immune cell populations. By identifying the role of these immune cells, the research aims to improve treatment outcomes for patients who may not respond well to current therapies. The study builds on previous findings that suggest a link between immune responses and treatment efficacy.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for advanced prostate cancer, enhancing patient responses to therapy.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar immune-targeted therapies, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Johns Hopkins University
    Baltimore, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Sanin Pena, David Esteban — Johns Hopkins University
  • Study coordinator: Sanin Pena, David Esteban

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.