NIH-funded research R21 grant

Targeting specific cancer pathways in prostate cancer without PTEN

Official title: Combined inhibition of ATR and p110β as Therapy in PTEN-deficient Prostate Cancer

Funded at Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp · NIH-11042240 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is exploring a new treatment for prostate cancer that doesn't have the PTEN gene, by combining two specific therapies to see if they can work better together to shrink tumors and help patients feel better.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRoswell Park Cancer Institute Corp
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Buffalo, United States)
Project startMarch 1, 2024
Project endFebruary 28, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$243,334
NIH project number5R21CA288931-02
Project IDNIH-11042240 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are men diagnosed with castration-resistant prostate cancer that is PTEN-deficient.

Less likely to help

Patients with prostate cancer that does not involve PTEN mutations or those with early-stage disease may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates a new treatment approach for prostate cancer that lacks the PTEN gene, which is often associated with aggressive disease. The study aims to combine the inhibition of two key proteins, ATR and p110β, to enhance the effectiveness of cancer therapies. By using advanced mouse models that mimic human prostate cancer, researchers will assess how this combination therapy can reduce tumor growth and improve patient outcomes. The goal is to develop a novel strategy that could potentially overcome resistance to existing treatments.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective therapies for patients with advanced prostate cancer, particularly those who have not responded to standard treatments.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches targeting the PI3K pathway in cancer treatment, indicating potential for success in this novel combination therapy.

Where this research is happening

  • Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp
    Buffalo, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Ding, Liya — Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp
  • Study coordinator: Ding, Liya

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.