Investigating how tiny particles affect bladder toxicity in prostate cancer patients after radiation treatment
Official title: Clinical and pre-clinical investigation of extracellular vesicles as a mechanism of toxicity in the bladder of prostate cancer patients treated with radiotherapy
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11067761 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at tiny particles in the body called extracellular vesicles to see if they can help predict bladder problems in prostate cancer patients who have had radiation treatment, with the goal of finding better ways to manage these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | April 5, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $431,650 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA280115-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11067761 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are prostate cancer patients who have received radiotherapy and are experiencing or at risk of developing bladder complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone radiotherapy or those with bladder issues unrelated to cancer treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how extracellular vesicles (EVs) contribute to radiation cystitis, a condition affecting about 15% of prostate cancer patients who have undergone radiotherapy. The study aims to identify these vesicles as potential biomarkers for predicting bladder toxicity and to explore their role in the disease's development. By analyzing preserved samples from previous studies, researchers hope to establish a link between EV levels and the onset of bladder complications, which could lead to better management strategies for affected patients. The approach combines laboratory analysis with insights from previous genomic studies to enhance patient care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatments for bladder toxicity in prostate cancer survivors.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been limited research on EVs in this context, preliminary findings suggest a promising link between EV levels and bladder toxicity, indicating potential for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Yi-Fen — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Lee, Yi-Fen
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Reducing prostate cancer radiotherapy toxicity through genes and technology
A study to find genetic clues that predict who will have side effects from prostate cancer radiotherapy and to use new tools to reduce those risks.
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MRI and blood tests to predict prostate cancer outcomes after radiation
This project uses repeated MRI scans and blood-based tumor markers to find early signs that predict how men with intermediate or high-risk prostate cancer do after radiation and hormone therapy.
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Tiny urine particles that may signal or cause bladder damage after prostate cancer radiation
Researchers will look at small particles in urine and blood to find markers or mechanisms of bladder damage in men treated with radiation for prostate cancer.
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Investigating imaging and blood markers to improve prostate cancer treatment outcomes
This study is looking to help men with intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer who are getting radiation treatment by finding early signs that show how well the treatment is working, using special imaging and blood tests, so doctors can make better decisions about their care.
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Making prostate cancer radiation treatment safer using genetics
This work aims to discover genetic markers that can help predict which prostate cancer patients might experience side effects from radiation therapy, allowing for more personalized care.
-
Improving radiation therapy for prostate cancer using targeted molecules
This study is looking at new ways to make radiation therapy for prostate cancer work better by using special molecules that target cancer cells, which could help improve treatment results and reduce side effects for patients.
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.