A new treatment approach for ovarian cancer using a SIK2 inhibitor to improve therapy effectiveness.
Official title: The SIK2 Inhibitor GRN-300 Enhances PARP Inhibitor Sensitivity and Cytotoxic T-Cell Function in Ovarian Cancer
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10931355 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new drug called GRN-300 to see if it can make existing ovarian cancer treatments work better, especially when used with other medications like paclitaxel and olaparib, to help patients have better results.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $319,498 |
| NIH project number | 5P50CA281701-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931355 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with ovarian cancer, particularly those who have experienced resistance to standard treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-ovarian cancers or those who have not been diagnosed with ovarian cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of a novel SIK2 inhibitor, GRN-300, to enhance the effectiveness of existing ovarian cancer treatments, specifically carboplatin and paclitaxel. The approach includes a first-in-human trial to determine the maximum tolerated dose of GRN-300 alone and in combination with weekly paclitaxel. Additionally, preclinical studies have shown that GRN-300 can increase sensitivity to olaparib, a drug used in treating certain types of ovarian cancer. By targeting specific pathways involved in DNA repair, this research aims to overcome resistance to current therapies and improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for women with ovarian cancer, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches, indicating potential for significant advancements in ovarian cancer treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bast, Robert C — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Bast, Robert C
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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.
-
Targeting quiescent ovarian cancer cells to overcome chemotherapy resistance
A study focusing on why some ovarian cancer cells pause dividing and resist chemotherapy, with the goal of finding new treatment targets for relapsed disease.
-
Photodynamic lipids to boost chemotherapy for metastatic ovarian cancer
A patient-friendly approach tests a light-activated method to make ovarian cancer metastases more sensitive to chemotherapy.
-
Integrated framework to validate and quantify proteoforms in patient-derived ovarian cancer cells
A collaboration will combine advanced top-down proteomics with a new computational method to precisely identify and measure intact proteoforms in tiny samples from ovarian cancer cells.
-
Overcoming platinum resistance in ovarian cancer: finding biomarkers and new targets
Researchers are looking for new biomarkers and targets to help prevent or overcome platinum resistance in high‑risk ovarian cancer so patients have better chances at long-term control.
-
Alternative NF-kB activation after chemotherapy in ovarian cancer
This grant studies how ovarian cancer might come back after chemotherapy by looking at specific signaling pathways in cancer cells and the tumor environment.
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.