Understanding what causes aggressive metastatic prostate cancer
Official title: Defining and Characterizing Drivers of Lethal Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Funded at University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-10891541 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes might cause slow-growing prostate cancer to become more aggressive and spread, with the hope of finding new treatments to help patients with advanced prostate cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | March 16, 2018 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $280,905 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM121316-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-10891541 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are men diagnosed with prostate cancer, particularly those with advanced or metastatic disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage, indolent prostate cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic factors that lead to the transition from slow-growing to aggressive metastatic prostate cancer. By using patient-derived organoids and primary cell lines from a mouse model, the team aims to identify key cellular changes and signaling pathways involved in this switch. A particular focus is on the Axl receptor, which may play a crucial role in promoting metastasis. The findings could help in developing targeted therapies to prevent or treat lethal forms of prostate cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that specifically target the aggressive forms of prostate cancer, improving survival rates for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting specific genetic factors in cancer progression, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mathew, Grinu — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mathew, Grinu
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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.