Stopping treatment-resistant cell changes in advanced prostate cancer
Project 3: Therapeutic Targeting of Lineage Plasticity in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
This effort tries to stop advanced prostate cancer in men from changing into more aggressive, treatment-resistant forms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11173732 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies why some castration-resistant prostate cancers switch from typical AR-positive tumors into more aggressive AR-low/negative or neuroendocrine-like tumors. Researchers will analyze tumor biopsies and genetic sequencing alongside lab models to link changes in genes such as TP53, RB1, EZH2, and SOX2 to this 'lineage plasticity.' They aim to identify markers that define the transition stage and to test approaches that could block or reverse these cell-state changes. If you are a patient, participation may involve providing tumor tissue samples and traveling to Memorial Sloan Kettering for testing and possible treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, particularly those whose tumors show low/absent androgen receptor activity or who have progressed on abiraterone or enzalutamide and can provide biopsy samples, are the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: Men with early-stage or well-controlled AR-positive prostate cancer, or those unable to undergo biopsy or travel to the study site, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce tests and treatments that prevent or treat the aggressive, treatment-resistant form of prostate cancer and expand options for men whose cancers no longer respond to hormone therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Genomic and laboratory studies have identified likely drivers of lineage plasticity, but clinical strategies to prevent or reverse these changes in patients remain largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sawyers, Charles L. — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Sawyers, Charles L.
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.