NCT05011383 · VA Office of Research and Development
High Dose Testosterone for ATM, CDK12 or CHEK2 Altered Prostate Cancers
(VA-BAT)
What this study is about
This study will determine whether the presence of DNA repair deficiency in the form of alterations in the genes ATM, CDK12 or CHEK2 predicts for a high likelihood of responding to the use of intermittent high dose testosterone.
View original scientific description
This study will determine whether the presence of DNA repair deficiency in the form of alterations in the genes ATM, CDK12 or CHEK2 predicts for a high likelihood of responding to the use of intermittent high dose testosterone.
Interventions
DRUG
High dose testosterone
High dose testosterone is administered subcutaneously once monthly until progression or toxicity
Primary outcome measures
PSA response
Time frame: 12 weeks
PSA response as measured by a 50% decline from baseline maintained for 12 weeks
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Signed informed consent form (ICF) providing agreement to adhere to the dosing schedule, report for all trial visits and authorization, use and release of health and research trial information
- Histologically or cytologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the prostate
- Ongoing gonadal androgen deprivation therapy with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues, antagonists or orchiectomy. Patients who have not had an orchiectomy must be maintained on effective GnRH analogue/antagonist therapy
- Castration resistant prostate cancer as defined by serum testosterone \< 50 ng/ml and one of the following:
- PSA level of at least 2 ng/ml that has risen on at least 2 successive occasions at least 1 week apart.
- Evaluable disease progression by modified RECIST 1.1 (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors)
- Progression of metastatic bone disease on bone scan with \> 2 new lesions
- Presence of metastatic disease on bone or CT scan
- Patients must have progressed on 1 next-generation AR-signaling inhibitor (e.g. abiraterone, enzalutamide, apalutamide, darolutamide, etc.).
- Asymptomatic or minimal cancer related symptoms
- Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status of \< 2
- Presence of inactivating mutations in ATM, CDK12 or CHEK2 as determined by a CLIA level assay for DNA sequencing.
Exclusion criteria
- Currently receiving active therapy for other neoplastic disorders will not be eligible.
- Histologic evidence of small cell carcinoma (morphology alone - immunohistochemical evidence of neuroendrocrine differentiation without morphologic evidence is not exclusionary)
- Known parenchymal brain metastasis
- Liver metastases
- Active or symptomatic viral hepatitis or chronic liver disease AST or ALT \> 2.5 x ULN or total bilirubin \> ULN (unless Gilbert's syndrome is the etiology of hyperbilirubinemia).
- Clinically significant heart disease as evidenced by myocardial infarction, or arterial thrombotic events in the past 6 months, severe or unstable angina, or New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class II-IV heart disease or cardiac ejection fraction measurement of \<35 % at baseline
- Patients with pain attributable to their prostate cancer and requiring the use of opioids.
- Tumor causing urinary outlet obstruction that requires catheterization for voiding. Patients that require catheterization to void secondary to benign strictures or other non-cancer causes will be permitted to enroll.
- Presence of dementia, psychiatric illness, and/or social situations limiting compliance with study requirements or understanding and/or giving of informed consent.
- Any condition(s), medical or otherwise, which, in the opinion of the investigators, would jeopardize either the patient or the integrity of the data obtained.
Where
- Aurora, Colorado
- West Haven, Connecticut
- Gainesville, Florida
- Orlando, Florida
- Decatur, Georgia
- Louisville, Kentucky
- Kansas City, Missouri
- St Louis, Missouri
- Durham, North Carolina
- Salisbury, North Carolina
- Portland, Oregon
- Charleston, South Carolina
And 5 more locations — see the full list below.
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Sep 17, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations