Investigating how pelvic radiotherapy affects the urinary microbiome and bladder health in older men with prostate cancer
Official title: The urinary microbiome and bladder toxicity after pelvic radiotherapy
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-10937773 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how pelvic radiotherapy affects the bacteria in the urine of older men with prostate cancer, to see if these changes might be linked to ongoing bladder problems, like pain or discomfort, after treatment, with the goal of finding better ways to help manage these side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $414,781 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA280170-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10937773 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older men, particularly those aged 65 and above, who have undergone pelvic radiotherapy for prostate cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not received pelvic radiotherapy or those with other unrelated urinary conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the impact of pelvic radiotherapy on the urinary microbiome in older men diagnosed with prostate cancer. It aims to explore how changes in the urinary microbiome may contribute to chronic bladder issues, such as radiation cystitis, which can cause significant urinary dysfunction. By examining the relationship between radiotherapy, the urinary microbiome, and bladder health, the study seeks to identify potential host factors that influence the severity of side effects. This could lead to better management strategies for patients experiencing these complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment protocols that minimize bladder toxicity and enhance the quality of life for prostate cancer survivors.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific investigation of the urinary microbiome's role in radiation cystitis is novel, related research has shown that microbiome alterations can impact urinary health in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marples, Brian — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Marples, Brian
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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.