Investigating Plk1 as a biomarker for prostate cancer treatment
Plk1 as a prognostic biomarker for prostate cancer
This study is looking at how a protein called Plk1 can help doctors predict which men with prostate cancer, especially those whose cancer doesn't respond to standard treatments, might benefit from a specific drug called olaparib that helps repair DNA damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10890772 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) can serve as a prognostic biomarker for prostate cancer, particularly in cases resistant to androgen signaling inhibitors. The study aims to explore the role of Plk1 in regulating the DNA damage response, which is crucial for the effectiveness of treatments like olaparib, a drug used for cancers with BRCA mutations. By identifying how Plk1 affects DNA repair mechanisms, the research seeks to pinpoint specific patient populations that may benefit from olaparib therapy. This could lead to more tailored and effective treatment strategies for patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer, particularly those who have not responded to standard androgen signaling inhibitors.
Not a fit: Patients with prostate cancer who do not have castration-resistant disease or those who have not undergone treatment with androgen signaling inhibitors may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer by identifying those who would benefit from olaparib therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting DNA damage response pathways in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights and advancements.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Xiaoqi — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Liu, Xiaoqi
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 below.