New treatments for aggressive prostate cancer
Official title: Novel Therapeutic Approaches for Aggressive Prostate Cancer
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11078767 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new ways to treat neuroendocrine prostate cancer, which is a tough type of prostate cancer that doesn't respond well to current treatments, by focusing on a protein called PD-L1 that helps the cancer grow and spread, and patients may have the chance to try out these new treatment methods.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $383,156 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA276863-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078767 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with neuroendocrine prostate cancer who have not responded well to standard therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage or less aggressive forms of prostate cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop innovative therapies for neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), a particularly aggressive form of prostate cancer known for its rapid progression and resistance to existing treatments. The approach focuses on understanding the role of a protein called PD-L1 in promoting cancer stemness and metastasis. By targeting the signaling pathways that sustain PD-L1 expression, the research seeks to enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy and improve patient outcomes. Patients may be involved in trials testing these new therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with aggressive prostate cancer, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting PD-L1 in NEPC is novel, similar strategies targeting immune checkpoint proteins have shown promise in other cancer types.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mercurio, Arthur M — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Mercurio, Arthur M
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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.