Why some advanced prostate cancers respond to EZH2 and PARP drugs
Molecular Determinants of Response and Resistance to EZH2 and PARP inhibition in Prostate Cancer
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · DANA-FARBER CANCER INST · NIH-11182640
Looks at whether combining drugs that block EZH2 with PARP inhibitors can help people with castration‑resistant prostate cancer and which tumors are most likely to benefit.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DANA-FARBER CANCER INST (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11182640 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project focuses on men with castration‑resistant prostate cancer and combines lab work with a first‑in‑field clinical trial. Researchers will analyze tumor samples for genetic and epigenetic features, study how EZH2 affects DNA repair, and test how those features change response to EZH2 and PARP blocking drugs. Some work will be done in preclinical models to understand mechanisms of resistance, and eligible patients may be invited to join the clinical trial and provide biopsies and blood samples. The goal is to match the combination therapy to the tumors that are most likely to respond.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are men with castration‑resistant prostate cancer who are willing to join a clinical trial and provide tumor biopsies and blood samples for molecular testing.
Not a fit: People with early‑stage prostate cancer or tumors that do not show the molecular features targeted by EZH2 or PARP inhibition are unlikely to benefit from this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify a new combination treatment and help doctors choose this therapy for the patients whose tumors are most likely to respond.
How similar studies have performed: PARP inhibitors have helped some prostate cancers with DNA‑repair defects and EZH2 inhibitors are in early trials, but combining EZH2 and PARP blockers is a newer strategy with limited prior human results.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- DANA-FARBER CANCER INST — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BELTRAN, HIMISHA — DANA-FARBER CANCER INST
- Study coordinator: BELTRAN, HIMISHA
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.