New treatment strategies for aggressive prostate cancer
Official title: Developing New Treatment Strategies for Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11032876 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a tough type of prostate cancer called neuroendocrine prostate cancer to find out how it grows and to see if combining some existing cancer drugs can help shrink tumors, which could lead to better treatment options for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $531,228 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA282005-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11032876 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with neuroendocrine prostate cancer, particularly those with loss of TP53 and RB1 tumor suppressors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of prostate cancer or those without the specific genetic markers associated with NEPC may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), a highly aggressive form of prostate cancer that currently lacks effective therapies. The study aims to understand the molecular mechanisms behind the loss of key tumor suppressors, TP53 and RB1, which are common in NEPC. By identifying specific proteins that contribute to tumor growth and differentiation, the researchers plan to test combinations of existing cancer drugs to see if they can effectively reduce tumor growth. Patients may benefit from new treatment options that target these mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, effective treatment options for patients with neuroendocrine prostate cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting similar molecular pathways in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alumkal, Joshi James — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Alumkal, Joshi James
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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.