Prostate cancer trial tests drug that targets cancer's ability to repair damage
Cancer Center hosts Phase 3 EvoPAR trial
The University of Cincinnati Cancer Center is a trial site for a new Phase 3 trial testing a novel drug to treat a subset of patients with prostate cancer.
Robert Franklin, MD, said the EvoPAR trial focuses on patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.
“This trial is available to men who have either a new diagnosis of stage 4 prostate cancer or who had prior therapy like surgery or radiation but the cancer has come back,” said Franklin, assistant professor in the Department of Internal Medicine in UC’s College of Medicine and a UC Health physician.
The current standard of care for men with this cancer is a combination of two hormonal drugs often with the addition of chemotherapy. Trial participants will be randomized to receive either the trial drug or placebo in addition to the standard hormonal drugs.
Robert Franklin, MD, left, and Katie Askren, FNP-C, right, look over a chart in the clinic. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand.
The trial drug is in a class of drugs called PARP inhibitors that have gained a well-established role in the management of prostate cancer over the last 3 years.
PARP is a protein in cells that helps the cancer cells repair damaged DNA, and by blocking PARP the cancer cells become more prone to dying. This can be particularly effective in a subset of men who have inherited disorders with genetic repair like BRCA mutations.
“One particularly exciting advantage of this PARP inhibitor is that, unlike the earlier-generation PARP inhibitors, it causes less side effects in the blood,” Franklin said.
The National Cancer Institute estimates that approximately 3.4 million men in the United States lived with prostate cancer in 2021, and approximately 12.8% of American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point during their lifetime.
“Prostate cancer is unfortunately a cancer that affects an enormous number of men and their families,” Franklin said. “As we gain more powerful insights into the biology of prostate cancer, we are excited to use clinical trials like this one to help men live longer and healthier lives.”
For more information on trial eligibility and enrollment, please call 513-585-8222.
Screening is key
The American Cancer Society recommends men begin a discussion with their health care provider about prostate cancer screenings at the following ages:
- Age 50: Men at average risk of prostate cancer who are expected to live at least 10 more years
- Age 45: Men at high risk of developing prostate cancer, including African American men and those who have a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than age 65)
- Age 40: Men at even higher risk, including those with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age
Featured photo at top of Dr. Franklin, second from right, speaking with colleagues in the clinic. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand.
Related Stories
News Cincinnati loved in 2025
January 2, 2026
The story of prohibition bootlegger George Remus was among WLWT's favorite segments in 2025. UC Law Professor Christopher Bryant spoke with journalist Lindsay Stone about Remus using a temporary insanity defense during a murder trial.
What to know about this year’s big tax changes
January 2, 2026
Local 12 reported that taxpayers can expect some major changes this tax season. Gary Friedhoff, adjunct instructor at the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, recently spoke to Local 12 about how to avoid surprises.
Study finds police officers face higher long-term health risks
January 2, 2026
J.C. Barnes, a University of Cincinnati professor, is interviewed by Spectrum News about new research showing that the physical and psychological demands of law enforcement can contribute to earlier deaths.