NIH-funded research R21 grant

Targeting a specific RNA to treat aggressive prostate cancer

Official title: Therapeutic Targeting of The Long Noncoding RNA SCHLAP1 in Aggressive Prostate Cancer

Funded at Duke University · NIH-10763875 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at a specific RNA called SChLAP1 that is connected to tougher types of prostate cancer, and it's for anyone affected by this disease, as researchers want to find out how SChLAP1 makes the cancer harder to treat and spread, so they can come up with better ways to help patients.

More Prostate Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project startJanuary 12, 2023
Project endDecember 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$171,672
NIH project number5R21CA277305-02
Project IDNIH-10763875 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are men diagnosed with aggressive or metastatic prostate cancer who have not responded to standard therapies.

Less likely to help

Patients with early-stage prostate cancer or those who have not developed therapy resistance may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on a long noncoding RNA called SChLAP1, which is linked to aggressive forms of prostate cancer. The study aims to understand how SChLAP1 contributes to therapy resistance and cancer spread, which are major challenges in treating prostate cancer. By investigating the molecular mechanisms of SChLAP1, researchers hope to develop new therapeutic strategies that can effectively target this RNA and improve patient outcomes. The approach includes analyzing the interactions of SChLAP1 with other cellular components to identify potential treatment pathways.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for patients with therapy-resistant prostate cancer, potentially improving survival rates.

How similar studies have gone: While targeting long noncoding RNAs is a relatively novel approach, preliminary studies have shown promise in similar contexts, indicating potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • Duke University
    Durham, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Hargrove, Amanda E — Duke University
  • Study coordinator: Hargrove, Amanda E

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.