Making prostate cancer radiation treatment safer using genetics
Reducing toxicity from prostate cancer radiotherapy through genetics and technology
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11123461 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on a common problem for prostate cancer patients: side effects from radiation therapy, which can impact quality of life even after successful treatment. We want to find specific genetic clues, called biomarkers, that are present in a patient's cells from birth. By identifying these markers, doctors could better understand who is more likely to develop side effects. This knowledge would allow them to adjust radiation plans or offer preventative care, ultimately making treatment safer and improving long-term well-being for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is most relevant to prostate cancer patients who are considering or undergoing radiation therapy.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those not receiving radiation therapy for prostate cancer would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to personalized radiation therapy for prostate cancer, reducing severe side effects and improving patients' quality of life after treatment.
How similar studies have performed: While the need for such biomarkers is recognized, few specific markers predicting radiation toxicity have been identified, making this a novel and important area of exploration.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kishan, Amar U — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Kishan, Amar U
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.