Anil Bidkar, PhD, Receives NIH Award to Advance Prostate Cancer Theranostics

Anil Bidkar, PhD, a postdoctoral scholar in Robert Flavell’s Molecular Imaging Lab has been awarded the NIH Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) from the National Cancer Institute. This milestone achievement supports Bidkar’s continued research in developing next-generation targeted therapies for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

Bidkar’s research seeks to improve outcomes for patients with advanced prostate cancer by combining two powerful treatment modalities: antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and targeted alpha particle radiotherapy. His approach leverages the precision of tumor-targeting antibodies to deliver both cytotoxic drugs and Actinium-225–based radiation directly to tumor cells, minimizing off-target effects and overcoming therapeutic resistance.

“This award is a tremendous honor and a major step forward in my academic journey,” said Bidkar. “It enables me to pursue the development of combination therapies that could provide new hope for patients with aggressive and treatment-resistant prostate cancer. I’m deeply grateful to Dr. Flavell and my co-mentors for their guidance and support.”

The NIH K99/R00 mechanism is designed to support outstanding postdoctoral researchers as they transition to independent academic faculty positions. With up to five years of funding, two mentored and three independent, this award will enable Bidkar to expand his translational research program and lay the groundwork for future clinical impact.

“Dr. Bidkar is an emerging leader in cancer therapeutics development, radiopharmaceutical sciences, and molecular therapeutics, and I expect that he will significantly advance how we deliver prostate cancer precision medicine,” said Flavell. “The K99 program is a prestigious and successful mechanism for launching the careers of academic scientists, and I congratulate Anil on achieving this distinction.”