Why prostate cancer can make its own male hormones and resist modern hormone treatments
CYP17A1-independent androgen synthesis and prostate cancer resistance to next-generation hormonal therapy
This research looks at how prostate tumors produce the potent androgen DHT without the usual enzyme, which may explain why some men stop responding to current hormone therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285347 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are tracing how prostate tumors regenerate DHT by using alternative biochemical routes that bypass the usual CYP17A1 step. They will study tumor samples, biochemical assays, and laboratory models to map the enzymes and precursors involved, including the role of 3βHSD1. The team aims to find points where new drugs or tests could block or detect these bypass pathways. Results may point to treatments that help men whose cancer no longer responds to abiraterone or AR-targeted drugs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be men with advanced or castration-resistant prostate cancer, particularly those who have progressed on abiraterone or other androgen receptor–targeted therapies.
Not a fit: Men with early-stage prostate cancer not receiving systemic hormone therapy or people without prostate cancer are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments or tests that prevent or overcome resistance to hormonal therapy in men with advanced prostate cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Previous clinical successes blocking CYP17A1 (for example with abiraterone) and genetic links implicating 3βHSD1 support the general approach, but CYP17A1-bypassing pathways remain relatively novel and less clinically tested.
Where this research is happening
Coral Gables, United States
- University of Miami School of Medicine — Coral Gables, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sharifi, Nima — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Sharifi, Nima
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.