Why prostate cancer spreads more often in African American men
Racial Disparities in the Mechanisms of Prostate Cancer Metastasis
Seeing if differences in a gene called FGFR3 and in how tumor cells make energy help explain why prostate cancer spreads more in African American men.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11248737 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project compares tumor samples from Black and White men and uses genetic and ancestry analyses to find differences linked to cancer spread. Researchers will examine gene expression, mutations, and enhancer DNA differences in FGFR3 and pathways that control cell energy (OXPHOS) using large patient datasets and tumor samples. Lab experiments will test how FGFR3 changes affect tumor cell behavior that could promote metastasis. The work combines patient tumor data with laboratory studies to connect ancestry-related genetic differences to mechanisms of prostate cancer spread.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Men with prostate cancer—particularly African American men—and those willing to provide tumor samples or clinical data would be the most relevant candidates for involvement.
Not a fit: People without prostate cancer or those unwilling to share tumor samples or medical records are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new biomarkers or targets for treatments that reduce metastatic prostate cancer deaths in African American men.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier analyses of large tumor datasets and the team's preliminary lab work suggest FGFR3 and OXPHOS differences exist, but therapies based on these mechanisms are not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moreno, Carlos Sanchez — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Moreno, Carlos Sanchez
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.