Using exosomal RNA to improve prostate cancer proton therapy outcomes
Official title: Exosomal RNA: A Novel Signature Guide for Prostate Cancer Proton Therapy
Funded at Hampton University · NIH-10925185 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny particles in your body called exosomes can help us see how well proton therapy is working for treating prostate cancer, especially for African American patients, by checking changes in their RNA before and after treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hampton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hampton, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $85,161 |
| NIH project number | 5P20CA264075-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10925185 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are prostate cancer patients, especially those from African American communities, who are considering or undergoing proton therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with prostate cancer who are not eligible for proton therapy or those receiving alternative treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how exosomal RNA can serve as a noninvasive biomarker to assess the effectiveness of proton therapy in treating prostate cancer. The study focuses on patients from Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute, particularly in an area with high prostate cancer rates among African Americans. By analyzing changes in the RNA profiles of exosomes collected from patients before and after treatment, the research aims to better understand patient responses to proton therapy. This approach combines clinical expertise in proton therapy with advanced genomic techniques to enhance treatment personalization.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for prostate cancer patients, allowing for more tailored and effective use of proton therapy.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of exosomal RNA as a biomarker is a relatively novel approach, similar studies in other cancer types have shown promising results in using noninvasive biomarkers for treatment monitoring.
Where this research is happening
-
Hampton University
Hampton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heyliger, Simone Olivia — Hampton University
- Study coordinator: Heyliger, Simone Olivia
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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.