Defining a Biomarker Signature of Aggressive Prostate Cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Defining a prognostic biomarker signature of aggressive and castrate resistant prostate cancer by examining cross-talk and activation state of AR/AKT signalling pathways.
IRAS ID
189487
Contact name
Stuart McCracken
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Prostate cancer is a complex, multifocal disease with intra- and inter-patient variability. Consequently, a single biomarker is unlikely to offer reproducible, predictive value for patients at all disease stages. This project aims to establish a biomarker signature incorporating known, validated biomarkers alongside novel biomarkers. We will focus on Akt/AR pathway cross-talk where by using cutting-edge techniques, including ex vivo tumour cultures, microRNA analysis and NanoString mRNA expression we will identify robust, accurate prognostic biomarker signatures to reliably distinguish indolent from aggressive disease and additionally serve as early predictors of developing therapy-resistance, relapse and metastasis. We will use both archival samples with substantive clinical follow-up and samples from patients currently undergoing treatment. We will identify biomarkers of highest predictive value for relapse and resistance to therapy for patients on current treatments. Our biomarker signature will firstly be validated in tumour biopsies followed by blood samples (microRNA) aiming to reduce numbers of subsequent invasive biopsies allowing for more frequent check-ups and up-to-date diagnosis of disease status.
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NE/0400
Date of REC Opinion
2 Feb 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion