A new targeted treatment for ovarian cancer
Official title: Novel targeted therapy for treating Ovarian Cancer
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11143132 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research aims to develop a brand new medicine to help patients with ovarian cancer, especially those whose cancer has come back or stopped responding to current treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $658,621 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA266970-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11143132 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is most relevant to patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer, especially those who have experienced recurrence or whose cancer has become resistant to standard chemotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without ovarian cancer or those whose cancer responds well to existing treatments may not directly benefit from this specific new therapy.
What this research studies
Ovarian cancer is a very serious disease, and while initial treatments often work, the cancer frequently returns and becomes resistant to chemotherapy. This project focuses on creating a new type of targeted therapy to overcome this resistance and eliminate cancer stem cells, which are thought to cause recurrence. Researchers are developing a specific drug called EC359, which has shown promise in laboratory tests by reducing cancer cell growth and promoting their death. The goal is to refine this drug, understand how it works, and prepare it for future testing in people.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new therapy could offer a much-needed treatment option for ovarian cancer patients, particularly those with recurrent or chemotherapy-resistant disease, potentially improving their long-term outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: This project is developing a 'first-in-class' inhibitor, meaning it's a novel approach, though preliminary studies have shown promising activity in lab settings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vadlamudi, Ratna K — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Vadlamudi, Ratna K
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Targeted therapy to treat ovarian cancer by promoting cancer cell death
A new, targeted therapy called EC359 aims to kill ovarian cancer cells and cancer stem cells, potentially improving outcomes for patients who have recurrent, treatment-resistant disease.
-
Fluorescent-guided laparoscopy with light-activated chemotherapy for tiny ovarian cancer spread
This uses a fluorescent agent to make tiny ovarian cancer nodules glow during laparoscopy and a near-infrared light to trigger local release of chemotherapy at those spots for people with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer.
-
Improving detection and treatment of small ovarian cancer tumors
This study is looking for ways to find and treat tiny tumors in women with advanced ovarian cancer using special imaging and a light-activated drug, which could lead to better results and fewer side effects than regular chemotherapy.
-
New targeted treatment for ovarian cancer
This study is working on a new treatment for ovarian cancer that could help patients who struggle with the usual therapies, by using a special drug called EC359 to target the cancer cells more effectively and hopefully improve their chances of recovery.
-
Understanding the experience of ovarian cancer after diagnosis to improve survivorship
This NIH grant funds a mixed-methods study to better understand physical and emotional challenges faced by ovarian cancer survivors and how supportive care can help them live better after diagnosis.
-
Integrative histo-genomic analysis to guide cancer risk and targeted therapies with interpretable AI
Researchers are developing an advanced AI-powered approach to map genetic and cellular patterns across breast and cervical cancers to help tailor treatments.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.