Next-generation urine tests for aggressive prostate cancer
Biomarker Developmental Laboratory
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · NIH-11163356
This project is creating better urine-based tests to help men with elevated PSA or other risk factors decide if they need a biopsy or early treatment for aggressive prostate cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11163356 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team at the University of Michigan and Vanderbilt, together with industry partners, is developing clinical-grade urine assays that detect cancer-specific RNA markers linked to aggressive prostate tumors. They are building on the existing MyProstateScore test that measures TMPRSS2:ERG and PCA3 in urine and adding new high-grade cancer biomarkers to improve accuracy. Tests will be optimized in a CLIA laboratory, then validated in clinical samples and through collaborating clinical centers to ensure they work in real-world settings. If successful, the project will scale these assays so they can be offered to patients through participating hospitals and labs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Men with elevated PSA, abnormal prostate exams, or other risk factors who are considering whether to undergo prostate biopsy would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Men without prostate cancer risk factors or those with widely metastatic disease already receiving systemic therapy are unlikely to benefit from these early-detection tests.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: These tests could help find aggressive, treatable prostate cancers earlier while reducing unnecessary biopsies for men with low-risk disease.
How similar studies have performed: This work builds on the clinically implemented MyProstateScore test, which has already helped guide biopsy decisions, while adding new biomarkers to improve detection of high-grade cancers.
Where this research is happening
ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR — ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CHINNAIYAN, ARUL M — UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- Study coordinator: CHINNAIYAN, ARUL M
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 below.
Conditions: Advanced Cancer