Personalized Treatment for Metastatic Prostate Cancer Using Blood Samples
Official title: Genomic profiling of single circulating tumor cells in the precision medicine of metastatic prostate cancer
Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-11099957 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research aims to find better, personalized treatments for metastatic prostate cancer by looking at cancer cells in a patient's blood.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 8, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $653,812 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA255792-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11099957 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is most relevant to patients diagnosed with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer or those not requiring advanced genomic profiling may not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is a very serious form of prostate cancer, and finding effective treatments is a major challenge. Traditional methods of checking the cancer's genetic makeup often require difficult tissue biopsies, especially since this cancer often spreads to bones. Also, cancer cells can change quickly during treatment, making it hard to keep up with the best treatment plan. This project is developing a new, non-invasive way to monitor these changes by studying circulating tumor cells (CTCs) found in a simple blood test. By understanding the unique genetic features of these cells, doctors hope to tailor treatments more precisely to each patient.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective, personalized treatments for metastatic prostate cancer, potentially improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While traditional tissue biopsies have limitations, the concept of using liquid biopsies and circulating tumor cells for cancer monitoring is an active area of research, and this project aims to advance its application for real-time treatment guidance.
Where this research is happening
-
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Hushan — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Yang, Hushan
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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.