Understanding and targeting treatment resistance in a specific type of prostate cancer
Official title: Mechanism and therapeutic targeting of castration resistance in SPOP-mutated prostate cancer
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11056736 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in the SPOP gene might make prostate cancer harder to treat, especially when standard treatments aren't working, and it aims to find new ways to help patients with this tough-to-treat cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $492,046 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA285345-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056736 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are men diagnosed with prostate cancer that has mutations in the SPOP gene and who are experiencing resistance to standard androgen receptor inhibitors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with prostate cancer that does not involve SPOP mutations or those who are not resistant to current treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain mutations in the SPOP gene contribute to treatment resistance in prostate cancer, particularly in cases where traditional therapies fail. The study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind this resistance, focusing on the interaction between SPOP mutations and the MAPK signaling pathway. By examining these interactions in laboratory models, the researchers hope to identify new therapeutic strategies that could improve treatment outcomes for patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with SPOP-mutated prostate cancer who currently have limited options.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting similar pathways in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lou, Zhenkun — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Lou, Zhenkun
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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.