Precision pre-surgery therapy for high-risk PTEN-loss prostate cancer
Official title: Precision Neoadjuvant Therapy for High Risk Localized Prostate Cancer with PTEN Loss
Funded at Portland VA Medical Center · NIH-11291871 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant plans a targeted, pre-surgical treatment for men with high-risk localized prostate cancer who have PTEN loss, using intensified hormone therapy plus an AKT inhibitor before surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Portland VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2027 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002517-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11291871 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are men with high-risk localized prostate cancer and PTEN loss who are planned for radical prostatectomy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without PTEN loss, those not eligible for preoperative therapy, or those not undergoing planned radical prostatectomy may not benefit.
What this research studies
If you have high-risk localized prostate cancer with PTEN loss, this study tests a short course of stronger hormone therapy together with an AKT inhibitor before radical prostatectomy. The goal is to shrink or eradicate cancer cells so the surgery can remove less disease and improve outcomes. It’s a single-arm phase II trial, focusing on safety, feasibility, and how well the tumor responds to this precision approach. Patients would undergo surgery after the preoperative treatment to assess residual cancer and guide future care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to fewer cancer cells at surgery and pave the way for more effective, personalized treatment for similar patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior preclinical work supports targeting PTEN/AKT and AR interactions, but this exact preoperative combination in humans is exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Portland VA Medical Center
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kopp, Ryan Patrick — Portland VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Kopp, Ryan Patrick
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Targeted therapy for aggressive prostate cancer with PTEN loss
This study is testing a new treatment for men with high-risk localized prostate cancer that has lost a specific gene, aiming to combine hormone therapy with a special drug before surgery to help shrink the cancer and improve outcomes.
-
Deep learning MRI biomarkers to predict prostate cancer outcomes
A Yale-led project uses advanced MRI images and artificial intelligence to better predict how localized prostate cancer will behave in patients.
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Exercise therapy to slow progression in localized prostate cancer on active surveillance
A study will test whether a structured home-based exercise program helps men with localized prostate cancer who are on active surveillance avoid moving to treatment or worsening, compared with usual care.
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Biomarkers to identify aggressive prostate cancer early
A patient-friendly program to find and validate biomarkers in urine and tumor tissue that can flag aggressive prostate cancer early so men can get the right treatment sooner.
-
Home walking program for men on active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer
This project sees if a year-long home treadmill walking program can change cancer-related markers and help men with low-grade prostate cancer on active surveillance avoid early treatment.
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Better tests to find aggressive early prostate cancer
This project develops urine and tissue biomarker tests and decision tools to help men with early prostate cancer learn whether their cancer is likely to be aggressive and needs treatment.
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.