Tiny urine particles that may signal or cause bladder damage after prostate cancer radiation
Clinical and pre-clinical investigation of extracellular vesicles as a mechanism of toxicity in the bladder of prostate cancer patients treated with radiotherapy
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 ID | NIH-11295418 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: People without prostate cancer or those who never had pelvic radiotherapy are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
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 performed: 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
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Yi-Fen — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Lee, Yi-Fen
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.