MRI and blood tests to predict prostate cancer outcomes after radiation

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

If you have intermediate or high-risk prostate cancer and are treated with radiation (with or without hormone therapy), this effort will follow you over time with detailed MRI scans and blood draws. The team will use a computerized MRI "habitat" map that looks at small regions of the tumor and combine that with circulating tumor cell (CTC) measurements from blood. Imaging and blood tests will be collected before, during, and after treatment to spot patterns linked to early treatment response or future progression. The work is done at the University of Miami with an outside radiotherapy group in an NCI validation cohort to confirm findings across centers.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• University of Miami School of Medicine
  Coral Gables, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Pollack, Alan — University of Miami School of Medicine
• Study coordinator: Pollack, Alan

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• 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.

  NIH research University of Miami School of Medicine · Coral Gables, United States · NIH-11168073

• 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.

  NIH research University of California Los Angeles · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11350935

• 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.

  NIH research University of Rochester · Rochester, United States · NIH-11295418

• 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.

  NIH research University of California Los Angeles · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11123461

• Investigating how tiny particles affect bladder toxicity in prostate cancer patients after radiation treatment

  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.

  NIH research University of Rochester · Rochester, United States · NIH-11067761

• 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.

  NIH research Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · New York, United States · NIH-11057708

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.