Targeting a key protein to stop prostate cancer from spreading
Official title: Targeting Undruggable Transcription Factor HoxB13 to Inhibit Prostate Cancer Metastasis
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11065120 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new gene therapy to help men with advanced prostate cancer that has spread, by targeting a specific factor that helps the cancer grow, with the hope of improving their treatment options and outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $636,289 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA287510-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11065120 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, particularly those with metastases in visceral organs.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage prostate cancer or those who do not have metastatic disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new treatment approach for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), which is a severe form of prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. The study aims to target the HoxB13 transcription factor, which is linked to cancer growth and metastasis, using a novel gene therapy method. By utilizing a lipid nanoparticle system to deliver RNA-targeting technology, the researchers hope to inhibit the function of HoxB13 and improve patient outcomes. This innovative approach seeks to address the limitations of current therapies that have not significantly improved survival rates for mCRPC patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with advanced prostate cancer, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While targeting transcription factors has been challenging, this approach is innovative and represents a novel strategy in cancer treatment, with limited prior success in similar methodologies.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Qianben — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Wang, Qianben
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A study in men with advanced prostate cancer will explore how a chemical process called lipoylation influences cancer spreading to bone and whether this could lead to new therapies.
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RIPK2/MKK7/c-Myc Signals as a Target to Stop Prostate Cancer from Spreading
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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.