NIH-funded research R01 grant

Investigating how WNT5a and ROR2 affect prostate cancer progression

Official title: WNT5a/ROR2-Mediated Hippo Pathway Activation in Prostate Cancer

Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-11101311 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain proteins, WNT5a and ROR2, affect the growth of prostate cancer, especially when it stops responding to regular treatments, to find new ways to help improve care for patients with advanced prostate cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startJune 1, 2023
Project endMay 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$395,509
NIH project number5R01CA272934-03
Project IDNIH-11101311 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who have experienced treatment resistance.

Less likely to help

Patients with early-stage prostate cancer or those who have not yet undergone androgen deprivation therapy may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the role of WNT5a and ROR2 in the progression of prostate cancer, particularly in cases where the cancer becomes resistant to standard treatments. The study aims to explore how these proteins influence the Hippo signaling pathway, which is involved in tumor growth and suppression. By examining the mechanisms of WNT signaling and its impact on cancer cell behavior, the research seeks to identify new therapeutic targets that could improve treatment outcomes for patients with advanced prostate cancer.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that enhance the effectiveness of therapies for patients with advanced prostate cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting WNT signaling pathways in cancer, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Balk, Steven P. — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Balk, Steven P.

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.