PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA — The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) Oncology Research Program (ORP) has announced funding for a new project aimed at improving the management of side effects caused by poly ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) in patients undergoing cancer treatment. The study, supported through Pfizer’s Global Medical Grants and Partnerships, focuses on addressing anemia in individuals with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).
PARPi treatments, which are increasingly used in cancer care, are often accompanied by hematologic toxicity, particularly anemia, which affects around 25% of patients soon after initiating treatment. These side effects frequently lead to dose adjustments, treatment interruptions, or discontinuation. The selected research will examine how germline BRCA1/2 mutations influence PARPi-induced anemia to improve outcomes for mCRPC patients, who often face additional challenges due to advanced age, prior treatments, and underlying health conditions.
“The aim of this research is to advance our understanding and ability to reduce adverse effects from PARPi alone or in combination with other treatments for patients with prostate cancer,” said Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, Chief Executive Officer of NCCN. “Congratulations to this remarkable investigator. This work will enhance our understanding of how to better care for individuals with prostate cancer.”
The project, led by Dr. David Link of the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, will focus on the “Impact of Germline BRCA1/2 Mutations on PARPi-induced Anemia.”
Pfizer’s collaboration and funding highlight its commitment to addressing healthcare disparities and improving outcomes in prostate cancer treatment. Maureen Doyle-Scharff, PhD, Head of Global Medical Grants and Partnerships at Pfizer, expressed the company’s enthusiasm. “We are really pleased to support this important research and to collaborate with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Working with organizations like NCCN gives us the opportunity to accelerate and improve health outcomes for prostate cancer patients.”
The project, selected through peer review by expert oncologists, is expected to be completed within two years and represents an important step toward mitigating side effects and enhancing the quality of life for prostate cancer patients.
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