Why some advanced prostate cancers stop responding to AR-blocking drugs
Identify Mechanisms Driving Resistance to AR Antagonists in CRPC
This research looks at why advanced prostate cancer keeps growing despite AR-blocking medicines like enzalutamide, to help men with castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11198067 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team grows prostate cancer cells in the lab that became resistant to AR antagonists and studies the changes that let the androgen receptor keep working, with a focus on a common truncated form called AR‑V7. They use genetic tools (including CRISPR-based methods), chromatin accessibility and DNA-binding analyses, and compare lab findings to tumor samples to link results to real patients. By mapping where AR and cooperating factors bind DNA and how chromatin is remodeled, they aim to reveal molecular targets for new tests or treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Men with castration-resistant prostate cancer, especially those whose disease progressed while on AR antagonists such as enzalutamide, are the most relevant group for this research.
Not a fit: People without prostate cancer or those whose tumors no longer rely on the androgen receptor are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to tests that predict resistance and new treatments that help men whose cancers stop responding to AR antagonists.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked AR‑V7 and chromatin changes to drug resistance, so this project builds on established findings but translating those insights into effective treatments remains experimental.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Balk, Steven P. — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Balk, Steven P.
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.