New blood test to detect treatment resistance in advanced prostate cancer

Novel ctDNA biomarker for androgen therapy in metastatic prostate cancer

['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-10995319

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

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10995319 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: 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.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage prostate cancer or those who are not receiving androgen receptor-directed therapies may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: androgen independent prostate cancer, androgen indifferent prostate cancer, androgen insensitive prostate cancer, androgen resistance in prostate cancer, androgen resistant prostate cancer

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.