Targeting PSMA for Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

PSMA’s enzymatic activity as new target for Prostate Cancer diagnosis and therapy

NIH-funded research Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11114031

This project explores a new way to find and treat advanced prostate cancer by focusing on a specific protein called PSMA.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11114031 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Many prostate cancer patients initially respond to hormone therapy, but their cancer often becomes resistant and progresses to a more aggressive form that is very difficult to treat. Our team has uncovered a new function of a protein called PSMA, which is found at high levels in aggressive prostate cancer and helps the cancer grow. This research aims to stop prostate cancer growth by blocking this newly discovered activity of PSMA. We hope to develop a completely new, personalized treatment strategy that is different from current therapies. Additionally, we are working on a new imaging method to better diagnose and monitor prostate cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients with aggressive prostate cancer, particularly those whose cancer has become resistant to hormone therapy, might be ideal candidates for future applications of this research.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage prostate cancer that responds well to existing hormone therapies may not directly benefit from this specific approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a new, personalized treatment option and improved diagnostic tools for patients with advanced prostate cancer that has become resistant to standard hormone therapy.

How similar studies have performed: This approach is based on a newly discovered biological function of PSMA, making it a novel strategy for prostate cancer treatment.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.