Understanding TPH1 in Advanced Prostate Cancer

Elucidating the Role of Tryptophan Hydroxylase 1 in Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer

NIH-funded research Washington State University · NIH-11087560

This project explores a specific enzyme called TPH1 to find new ways to treat a very aggressive type of prostate cancer known as neuroendocrine prostate cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pullman, United States)
Project IDNIH-11087560 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is a very serious and often deadly form of prostate cancer that is becoming more common, especially after certain treatments for other prostate cancers. Currently, there are not many effective treatments for NEPC, and patients often have a very poor prognosis. This project aims to understand how an enzyme called TPH1 contributes to the development and growth of NEPC. Researchers believe that by targeting TPH1, they might be able to stop the cancer from growing and spreading, potentially leading to new treatment options.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients with neuroendocrine prostate cancer, especially those whose cancer has become resistant to standard treatments, are the focus of this research.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage or non-neuroendocrine forms of prostate cancer may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new, targeted therapies for neuroendocrine prostate cancer, potentially improving patient survival.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies by the researchers have shown that inhibiting TPH1 can repress cancer growth in laboratory and animal models, suggesting a promising new direction.

Where this research is happening

Pullman, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.