Targeting mitochondria to stop prostate cancer that returns after radiation
Targeting Mitochondrial Redox Capacity to Overcome Cancer Subtype that Regrowth After Radiation
This project tests whether the antibiotic azithromycin can make prostate cancers that regrow after radiation more likely to be killed by treatment for men with recurrent or resistant disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11211278 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use prostate cancer cells and animal models to study why some tumors survive and regrow after radiation, focusing on changes in mitochondria and reactive oxygen species. They screened approved drugs and found azithromycin may raise mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide while blocking mitochondrial protein production, and will test whether this combination prevents tumor regrowth after radiation. The team will also use genetic approaches (like lowering TFAM) to see if blocking mitochondrial biogenesis restores radiation sensitivity. If the lab and animal results are promising, this work could lead to early clinical testing in patients whose tumors resist radiation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Men with prostate cancer that has recurred after radiation or who have tumors showing resistance to radiation (especially tumors with high mitochondrial activity) would be the most relevant candidates for future trials based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers outside the prostate, those whose disease is already cured by other treatments, or people who cannot take azithromycin for medical reasons are unlikely to benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make radiation more effective and lower the chance of prostate cancer coming back.
How similar studies have performed: Previous preclinical work, including the investigators' own studies, showed that targeting mitochondrial biogenesis (for example by reducing TFAM) can restore radiation sensitivity, but using azithromycin for this purpose is a novel, largely preclinical idea.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chaiswing, Luksana — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Chaiswing, Luksana
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.