# 3D Spatial Biology of Prostate Cancer Biopsies For Earlier Identification of High Risk Patients

> **NIH NIH R44** · ALPENGLOW BIOSCIENCES, INC. · 2024 · $994,370

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Prostate cancer is a curable disease when treated early before metastases occur. Current
diagnostic methods struggle to accurately predict which patients will develop metastases, resulting
in the development of advanced, incurable disease in some patients who initially present with
localized disease. We propose to tailor the development of our 3D spatial biology platform towards
predicting which prostate cancer patients will develop metastases. Our 3D spatial biology platform
is the basis for multiple prominent publications, has an international user base, and has
demonstrated compatibility with current laboratory workflows during our Phase I award studies.
The specific aims of this proposal are: 1) Develop an accelerated and automated sample
preparation process, 2) Develop machine learning models to segment tissue structures and
extract 3D features for use in predictive models, and 3) Create a multiparameter model to predict
metastatic risk from prostate biopsy samples. The studies in this proposal will accelerate the
workflow to a clinically feasible turnaround time, build a predictive model, and demonstrate the
benefits of our technology in a defined prostate cancer patient subpopulation. Our partners in this
proposal (CorePlus) can rapidly deploy the developed technologies in a clinical laboratory with
regulatory accreditation and an existing referral base. Successful completion of this project will
position Alpenglow Biosciences towards an advanced stage in commercialization with high
potential for success. This project addresses the IMAT goal of developing substantially improved
cancer detection and risk assessment technologies.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10922308
- **Project number:** 2R44CA250885-02A1
- **Recipient organization:** ALPENGLOW BIOSCIENCES, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Nicholas Reder
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $994,370
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2020-09-05 → 2026-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10922308

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10922308, 3D Spatial Biology of Prostate Cancer Biopsies For Earlier Identification of High Risk Patients (2R44CA250885-02A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10922308. Licensed CC0.

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