New blood test to detect treatment resistance in advanced prostate cancer
Official title: Novel ctDNA biomarker for androgen therapy in metastatic prostate cancer
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10995319 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new blood test called EnhanceAR-Seq that helps find out if metastatic prostate cancer is not responding to treatments earlier than current methods, so patients can get the right care sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | December 6, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $610,019 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA286127-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995319 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are men diagnosed with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who are undergoing or are candidates for androgen receptor-directed therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage prostate cancer or those who are not receiving androgen receptor-directed therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel blood test that can detect treatment-resistant metastatic prostate cancer earlier than current methods. The test, called EnhanceAR-Seq, analyzes cell-free DNA from patients' blood to identify changes in the androgen receptor gene that indicate resistance to therapies like Abiraterone and Enzalutamide. By using advanced sequencing technology, the researchers aim to provide a more sensitive and timely diagnosis of treatment resistance, potentially improving patient outcomes. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of this test both before treatment and during ongoing therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection of treatment resistance in prostate cancer, allowing for timely adjustments in therapy and improved survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar blood-based biomarker approaches in cancer detection, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maher, Christopher a — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Maher, Christopher a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Blood test to detect resistance to hormone therapy in advanced prostate cancer
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-
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Understanding what drives lethal metastatic prostate cancer in men
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ASH1L’s role in metastatic prostate cancer and its immune environment
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Molecular drivers of lineage changes and new therapies for metastatic prostate cancer
A multi-year study at a major university will explore how metastatic prostate cancer changes its cell type and how to target those changes to help patients.
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.