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Prostate Cancer Research

Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University is a leader in prostate cancer research, advancing and shaping how other medical institutions treat patients.

Researching Prostate Cancer Developing Novel Therapies at Winship

Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University is Georgia’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. This means that research is embedded in the care we provide.

Today, prostate cancer research has allowed experts and investigators to radically shift toward a more personalized approach to treating prostate cancer. This would not be possible without Winship’s commitment to discovering less invasive, curative therapies for patients.

Types of Prostate Cancer Research

Much of the evolution in prostate cancer research over the last several years has focused on new treatment therapies, including radiotherapy, cryotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted drug therapy and quality of life after surgery and treatment.

Here are several other key focus areas in prostate cancer research:

  • Genetics. More than ever before, scientists are understanding the nuances of genetic changes and how that impacts prostate cancer development. The hope is that with more understanding, we can design medicines to better target these genetic changes. Genetic testing for prostate cancer also holds great promise in earlier screening and prevention.
  • Prevention. Diet, exercise, vitamin supplements and hormonal medicines are all being closely analyzed as ways to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
  • Earlier diagnosis. Through advanced screening methods, the goal is to diagnose prostate cancer earlier and to improve overall outcomes while improving patients’ quality of life.
  • Targeted drug therapy. PARP inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies are two types of targeted therapies that work by homing in and targeting certain cancer cells and gene mutations. These are currently being studied in clinical trials.
  • CAR T-cell therapy. Early clinical trials have shown encouraging results, but more research is needed to determine if this will evolve into a new standard of care. This kind of advanced therapy is currently only available in clinical trials.
  • Immunotherapy. Clinical trials investigating the use of immunotherapy for treating advanced prostate cancer have been behind many recent advances. Monoclonal antibodies, such as avelumab, may help the body’s immune system combat cancer by interfering with the growth of new cancer cells.

Innovative Prostate Cancer Research

Winship’s involvement in prostate cancer clinical research sets us apart from other healthcare organizations in the region. For example, our specialists were the first in Georgia to use PSMA-targeted PET scans in guiding radiation therapy in clinical trials to better identify the spread of prostate cancer.

A study developed and conducted at Winship enrolled patients whose cancer recurred after having their prostates removed. One group received radiation therapy using conventional imaging while the other received treatment using imaging that was invented by Emory and Winship’s researchers, called the fluciclovine PET radiotracer.

About 75% of those whose treatment integrated fluciclovine PET were disease-free after three years, compared to 63% for those with whom only conventional imaging techniques were used to plan treatment. This research shows that integrating advanced PET imaging using fluciclovine allows doctors to do a better job of selecting patients for radiation therapy, guiding radiation decisions and planning and ultimately, keeping our patients’ cancer under control.

Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials

If surgery or targeted therapies are not working, or if you have advanced prostate cancer, you may be eligible to participate in a prostate cancer clinical trial. Through clinical trials, patients may have access to treatments for prostate cancer at Winship that are not widely available elsewhere.

Participating in Prostate Cancer Research

As a research center, our physicians and scientists will make every effort to match you with a clinical trial that targets your unique cancer. It’s best if you enroll from the very beginning, so let your doctor know on your first visit if you’re interested in learning more about a clinical trial. Most clinical trials are supplemental, meaning you’ll still receive the standard therapy in addition to any treatment being studied.

Support for Clinical Trial Participation

Winship conducts prostate cancer research at the following locations:

We welcome trial participants from all over Georgia and beyond. Talk with your doctor about whether you are eligible to participate in a clinical trial. Our supportive oncology team can assist you with services, such as finding affordable accommodations near Winship for the duration of your clinical trial.