NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding how a specific protein affects prostate cancer growth and treatment resistance

Official title: Mechanisms and vulnerabilities of ERG-driven luminal fate in prostate cancer

Funded at Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr · NIH-11231970 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a specific protein called ERG affects prostate cancer cells, especially those that are important for hormone treatments, to find new ways to make these cancer cells more vulnerable and improve treatment options for patients.

More Prostate Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionResearch Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project startApril 1, 2023
Project endApril 30, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$249,000
NIH project number4R00CA276888-03
Project IDNIH-11231970 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are American men diagnosed with prostate cancer, especially those exhibiting luminal histology and resistance to hormone therapy.

Less likely to help

Patients with non-prostate cancers or those whose prostate cancer does not exhibit ERG overexpression may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of the ERG oncoprotein in prostate cancer, particularly how it influences the behavior of luminal cells, which are a key target for hormone therapies. By using advanced mouse models and organoid systems, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that allow prostate cancer cells to invade and resist treatment. The research also employs genome-wide screening techniques to identify potential vulnerabilities in these cancer cells that could be targeted for new therapies. Insights gained from this work may lead to innovative treatment strategies for patients with prostate cancer.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that improve outcomes for patients with prostate cancer, particularly those who have developed resistance to current therapies.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting similar molecular pathways in cancer, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights and potential breakthroughs.

Where this research is happening

  • Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr
    Philadelphia, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Feng, Weiran — Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr
  • Study coordinator: Feng, Weiran

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.