Understanding the genetic factors that increase prostate cancer risk in African American families
Official title: Family RESPOND: Defining the Genetic Basis of Prostate Cancer Risk in African American Families
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11049999 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how genes affect the risk of prostate cancer in African American families, hoping to find out which genetic factors make some men more likely to develop the disease, so they can offer better risk assessments and treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $704,882 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA289492-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049999 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are African American men with a family history of prostate cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a family history of prostate cancer or are not of African descent may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic basis of prostate cancer risk specifically in African American families. It aims to identify both rare and common genetic variants that contribute to inherited susceptibility to prostate cancer. By integrating gene panel testing and polygenic risk scores, the study seeks to provide more accurate risk assessments and treatment options for men with prostate cancer. The research focuses on understanding how these genetic factors differ in African American populations compared to other ethnic groups.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective prevention and treatment strategies for prostate cancer in African American men.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding genetic factors in prostate cancer, but this specific focus on African American families is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Haiman, Christopher Alan — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Haiman, Christopher Alan
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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.