Using DNA fragments to predict treatment outcomes in advanced prostate cancer

Cell-free DNA fragmentomics as prognostic and treatment resistance biomarkers in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON · NIH-11026219

This study is looking at how tiny pieces of cancer DNA in your blood can help doctors keep track of your metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and predict if your treatment might stop working, so they can make better choices for your care.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON (nih funded)
Locations1 site (MADISON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11026219 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how fragments of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can be used to monitor and predict treatment resistance in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). By employing a liquid biopsy approach combined with machine learning, the study aims to identify molecular changes that indicate shifts in cancer type and treatment response. This method seeks to improve upon current monitoring techniques, which often fail to capture the underlying mechanisms of resistance. Patients will be monitored over time to assess how their cancer evolves and to help guide more effective treatment decisions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are men diagnosed with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who are undergoing treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage prostate cancer or those who are not resistant to androgen signaling inhibitors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective treatment strategies for patients with advanced prostate cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using ctDNA and machine learning for monitoring cancer progression, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in the field.

Where this research is happening

MADISON, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: androgen independent prostate cancer, androgen indifferent prostate cancer, androgen insensitive prostate cancer, androgen resistance in prostate cancer, androgen resistant prostate cancer

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.