Multidimensional approach to boost PSMA-RPT success in advanced prostate cancer
Official title: Multidimensional analyses to improve PSMA-RPT efficacy in mCRPC
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11360691 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A cancer research grant aims to better understand why PSMA-targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy works sometimes but not always for advanced prostate cancer, with the goal of making treatments more effective for patients who need them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | July 12, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $438,529 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA279094-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11360691 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who are candidates for PSMA-RPT or have tumors with PSMA expression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not respond to PSMA-RPT or who cannot receive radiopharmaceutical therapy may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project studies how genetic and immune factors influence how well PSMA-RPT works in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Researchers analyze tumor biology, test different radiation dosing in models, and explore how the tumor’s DNA damage response and TP53 status affect treatment outcomes. They also look at how PSMA-RPT changes the tumor’s immune environment and whether combining it with STING pathway activators boosts anti-tumor responses. The work builds on prior findings showing TP53 and cGAS/STING signaling may shape treatment effectiveness and immunogenicity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to more effective PSMA-RPT strategies and personalized approaches for patients with mCRPC.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have shown that TP53 status and immune pathway interactions can influence radiopharmaceutical responses, supporting potential translational gains.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Czernin, Johannes — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Czernin, Johannes
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Dual Targeting of B7-H3 in metastatic prostate cancer
A Johns Hopkins team is testing two targeted therapies against B7-H3 to help people with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer feel better and show tumor responses.
-
Hyperactive methylation in a hard-to-treat prostate cancer subtype
Researchers are studying a newly identified methylation-heavy group of advanced prostate cancer to understand its biology and find clues for better treatments.
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Extending Benefit by Targeting Resistant Lesions in mCRPC
A cancer center plans to identify on-treatment resistant spots in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and then use targeted local therapy to those spots while systemic treatment continues.
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CXCR1/2 inhibitor plus enzalutamide for abiraterone-resistant metastatic prostate cancer
A phase 2 study tests whether adding SX-682 to enzalutamide helps men with advanced prostate cancer that no longer responds to abiraterone.
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Targeted radiation approach for prostate cancer without continuous castration
A study testing a targeted radiation plan for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer to improve outcomes and quality of life by avoiding continuous castration for those receiving PSMA-directed therapy.
-
Liquid biopsy test to guide HER2-targeted therapy for advanced prostate cancer
A new liquid biopsy test using blood markers to pick and guide HER2-directed therapy for men with advanced, treatment-resistant prostate cancer.
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.