NIH-funded research R21 grant

Targeting prostate cancer with specialized drug activation

Official title: Activation of Drug and Biologic Conjugates by Click Chemistry and their Tumor-selective Targeting for Prostate Cancer Suppression

Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11049022 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is exploring a new way to treat advanced prostate cancer by using a special drug that only targets cancer cells, aiming to kill the cancer without hurting healthy cells, and it's designed for men dealing with this tough condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Texas Hlth Science Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Antonio, United States)
Project startApril 1, 2024
Project endMarch 31, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$178,819
NIH project number5R21CA289167-02
Project IDNIH-11049022 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with castration-resistant prostate cancer who have limited treatment options.

Less likely to help

Patients with early-stage prostate cancer or those who do not have castration-resistant prostate cancer may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates a new method to treat advanced prostate cancer by activating a special drug only within tumor cells. The approach uses a technique called click chemistry to release the drug in cancerous tissues while minimizing harm to healthy cells. By focusing on a compound that reacts with substances found in cancer cells, the goal is to effectively destroy cancer cells without the side effects typically associated with chemotherapy. This study will test the effectiveness of these drug conjugates in preclinical models of castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and targeted treatments for patients with advanced prostate cancer, reducing side effects and improving outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using targeted drug delivery systems in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach may also be effective.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Texas Hlth Science Center
    San Antonio, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Chatterjee, Bandana — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
  • Study coordinator: Chatterjee, Bandana

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.