Tiny urine particles that may signal or cause bladder damage after prostate cancer radiation
Official title: Clinical and pre-clinical investigation of extracellular vesicles as a mechanism of toxicity in the bladder of prostate cancer patients treated with radiotherapy
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11295418 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will look at small particles in urine and blood to find markers or mechanisms of bladder damage in men treated with radiation for prostate cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | April 5, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $430,133 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA280115-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11295418 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Men who are receiving or have received prostate radiotherapy and who are willing to provide urine or blood samples and share clinical follow-up data would be the best candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People without prostate cancer or those who never had pelvic radiotherapy are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
What this research studies
The team will measure and analyze extracellular vesicles (tiny particles released by cells) in preserved urine and blood samples from men treated with prostate radiotherapy and in animal and lab models. They will compare vesicle counts and molecular cargo between people who later develop radiation cystitis and those who do not. In animals and cell experiments, they will test whether these vesicles can cause bladder injury and explore biological pathways behind the damage. The goal is to link what is seen in the lab with signals in patient samples to identify early markers and potential targets to prevent or lessen bladder toxicity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a urine-based marker to identify men at high risk of radiation cystitis and point to new ways to prevent or reduce bladder damage.
How similar studies have gone: Prior lab and animal studies and an analysis of preserved samples have hinted that urine extracellular vesicles relate to later bladder bleeding, but human clinical evidence is limited and this approach is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
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University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Yi-Fen — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Lee, Yi-Fen
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Reducing prostate cancer radiotherapy toxicity through genes and technology
A study to find genetic clues that predict who will have side effects from prostate cancer radiotherapy and to use new tools to reduce those risks.
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MRI and blood tests to predict prostate cancer outcomes after radiation
This project uses repeated MRI scans and blood-based tumor markers to find early signs that predict how men with intermediate or high-risk prostate cancer do after radiation and hormone therapy.
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Investigating imaging and blood markers to improve prostate cancer treatment outcomes
This study is looking to help men with intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer who are getting radiation treatment by finding early signs that show how well the treatment is working, using special imaging and blood tests, so doctors can make better decisions about their care.
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Making prostate cancer radiation treatment safer using genetics
This work aims to discover genetic markers that can help predict which prostate cancer patients might experience side effects from radiation therapy, allowing for more personalized care.
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Investigating how tiny particles affect bladder toxicity in prostate cancer patients after radiation treatment
This study is looking at tiny particles in the body called extracellular vesicles to see if they can help predict bladder problems in prostate cancer patients who have had radiation treatment, with the goal of finding better ways to manage these issues.
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Improving radiation therapy for prostate cancer using targeted molecules
This study is looking at new ways to make radiation therapy for prostate cancer work better by using special molecules that target cancer cells, which could help improve treatment results and reduce side effects for patients.
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.