A new treatment approach for ovarian cancer using targeted therapy
Official title: A novel more effective genotoxic therapy for ovarian cancer
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10815685 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to find a better treatment for high-grade serous ovarian cancer by using a mix of two targeted therapies to help shrink tumors and stop them from coming back, and it aims to see which patients might benefit the most from this new approach.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $378,217 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA215436-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-10815685 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with high-grade serous ovarian cancer, particularly those who have experienced recurrence after standard therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of ovarian cancer or those who have not been diagnosed with high-grade serous ovarian cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a more effective therapy for high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), which is known for its high recurrence rate after standard treatments. The approach involves using a combination of two targeted therapies that inhibit specific genetic pathways in cancer cells, aiming to improve tumor regression and prevent relapse. By analyzing patient-derived tumor samples and xenograft models, the research seeks to identify which genetic subsets of ovarian cancer will respond best to this new treatment. The ultimate goal is to validate this combination therapy in a clinical trial to assess its effectiveness in patients with recurrent HGSOC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective treatment option for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results with similar combination therapies targeting genetic vulnerabilities in cancer, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Simpkins, Fiona — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Simpkins, Fiona
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
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-
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-
Integrated framework to validate and quantify proteoforms in patient-derived ovarian cancer cells
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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.
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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.