Investigating the role of enolase in prostate cancer disparities among men of different ancestries
Official title: Role and Theranostics Potential of Enolase in Prostate Cancer Health Disparities
Funded at Loma Linda University · NIH-10977476 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why men of African descent are more likely to get prostate cancer than men of European descent, by exploring how their immune systems respond to a certain enzyme, with the hope of finding better treatment options for advanced prostate cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Loma Linda University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Loma Linda, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 3, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $74,406 |
| NIH project number | 3R21CA280647-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10977476 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are men of African ancestry who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients of European ancestry or those without a prostate cancer diagnosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding why men of African ancestry experience higher rates of prostate cancer compared to men of European ancestry. It examines the differences in immune responses to a specific enzyme called enolase, which may play a role in cancer progression. By analyzing how these immune responses vary between the two groups, the research aims to identify new therapeutic targets and develop small molecules that could improve treatment options for advanced prostate cancer. The study combines insights from genetics, immunology, and cancer biology to address health disparities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for prostate cancer that are tailored to the unique biological responses of different patient populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses in cancer, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Casiano, Carlos a. — Loma Linda University
- Study coordinator: Casiano, Carlos a.
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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.