The UC Davis Department of Orthopedic Surgery has received two research grants from the U.S. Department of Defense totaling $2.2 million.
The first grant, worth $1.8 million, will study the effects of bone strength and fractures on the development and spread of prostate cancer to the bones, according to a July 15 news release from UC Davis Health.
One in 44 American men die from prostate cancer, making it the second leading cause of cancer death within men. Military veterans have double the rate of prostate cancer compared to civilians.
The three-year study will use romosozumab, an FDA-approved drug that is currently used in women to treat osteoporosis, to test whether restoring bone density can prevent or slow the spread of prostate cancer.
The second grant, worth $442,750, is to fund the investigation of biological processes that may help prevent post-traumatic osteoarthritis.
The two-year study aims to help develop new drug treatments that prevent arthritis from developing after traumatic joint injuries such as ACL and meniscus tears.
Gabriela Loots, PhD, an orthopedic professor at UC Davis, is the lead investigator of both studies, the release said.
