Using an oral LSD1 blocker to target aggressive castration-resistant prostate cancer
Molecular features promoting sensitivity to LSD1i in castration-resistant prostate cancer
Seeing if an oral drug that blocks the LSD1 enzyme can kill or slow aggressive neuroendocrine and castration-resistant prostate cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11301841 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on aggressive metastatic prostate cancers that no longer respond to hormone therapy, especially tumors that have neuroendocrine features. Researchers will use genomic and pharmacogenomic analyses plus laboratory models to find molecular features that make these tumors sensitive to an oral LSD1 inhibitor called bomedemstat. The work combines tissue and molecular studies with drug-response testing to pinpoint which patients’ tumors are most likely to respond. Findings are intended to guide near-term clinical use of the drug and to identify biomarkers for future patient selection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, particularly those whose tumors show neuroendocrine features or who progressed on potent androgen-receptor–targeted therapies.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer or tumors lacking the LSD1-related molecular features described are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to a targeted oral treatment option or biomarker-guided therapy for men with aggressive, treatment-resistant prostate cancer.
How similar studies have performed: LSD1 inhibitors have shown promise in laboratory studies and early clinical work for other diseases, but applying a specific LSD1 blocker to neuroendocrine prostate cancer is a relatively new and translational effort.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brennen, William Nathaniel — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Brennen, William Nathaniel
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 below.