Integrative Molecular Characterization and Biomarker Validation in Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer (mHSPC)
Abstract
This research project seeks to address a key FY20 PCRP Overarching Challenge of better defining the biology of lethal prostate cancer to improve patient outcomes. In a clinical context, most men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer present with localized disease. However, some men present with cancer spread (metastasis) at first diagnosis or after prior treatment. Standard treatment of metastatic prostate cancer is testosterone suppression, and in recent years, trials have proven that combining chemotherapy or new hormonal treatments results in improved life expectancy. Nonetheless, metastatic prostate cancer remains a lethal disease. Why some men live shorter or longer and why some men benefit differently from new treatments for metastatic prostate cancer is poorly understood. This remains an incredibly important challenge in the prostate cancer research community. There is mounting evidence that biological information in tumors (such as gene mutations) may have a strong role in more precisely guiding risk and predicting benefit from new treatments. This study seeks to provide answers regarding the biological factors that drive newly diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer and, specifically, whether changes in genes and “gene expression” predict benefit (or the lack thereof) from hormonal therapy with or without chemotherapy. We have the unique opportunity to determine this by using up to 1,000 tumor biopsies (the largest study of its kind) from the three key clinical trials that changed practice worldwide: CHAARTED, ENZAMET, and STAMPEDE. By guiding the selection of treatments based on biological information with greater precision, this study will directly help improve the care of patients with metastatic prostate cancer by aiding patients and physicians to choose optimal treatments as well as avoid the burden and side effects of treatments with low predicted benefit. Optimal treatment selection ultimately aims to improve symptoms, quality of life, and longevity of life. We believe gene changes will also identify men with more aggressive forms of prostate cancer for which (1) information about prognosis will help guide their patient journey and treatment choices and for which (2) there is a potential for new strategies to be developed specifically tailored to their gene profile (“precision medicine”). As Dr. Hamid and his colleagues have worked to achieve approval from the clinical trials groups, we believe that the project timeline is feasible to produce translation to patient outcomes and achieve direct impact in the clinical and scientific community throughout the duration of the Award. This is evidenced by provocative data from the CHAARTED trial presented by Dr. Hamid and included in the Project Narrative. The research project strongly supports Dr. Hamid’s goal of pursuing innovative, collaborative, and impactful prostate cancer research as a physician-scientist. Throughout his training, Dr. Hamid has developed expertise in prostate cancer biology, genomics, and computational oncology, which has dovetailed with his role as an enthusiastic early-career medical oncologist specializing in the treatment of men with prostate cancer. As such, he has been recognized by numerous research awards at this early stage of his career. The research project clearly bridges these domains by translating scientific discovery with real patient outcomes and treatments used in the clinic every day. By executing this important work, the research project will accelerate Dr. Hamid’s goals of becoming an impactful physician-scientist in the field and developing a long-term research track focused on improving patient care. Dr. Hamid has excellent co-mentors in Professor Sweeney, Professor Davis, and Associate Professor Corcoran, with exemplary records in research, clinical care, and nurturing of physician-scientists. Co-mentors for Dr. Hamid were chosen not only for their seniority and leadership of trials detailed in the
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 05, 2021
- Source ID
- W81XWH2110737
Entities
People
- Anis A Hamid
Organizations
- United States Army
- University of Melbourne