A new way to target and destroy ovarian cancer cells

Cancer cell selective killing nanoparticle for advanced ovarian cancer treatment

NIH-funded research University of South Carolina at Columbia · NIH-11159850

This research explores a new combination of materials designed to specifically kill drug-resistant ovarian cancer cells without harming healthy ones.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of South Carolina at Columbia NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11159850 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Ovarian cancer is often difficult to treat because it can become resistant to many common medications, leading to a high death rate. We are developing a special polymer-metal combination that has shown promise in selectively destroying cancer cells, including those that are drug-resistant. This project aims to understand exactly how this new combination works, make it even more effective at targeting cancer, and test its safety and ability to stop tumor growth.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Future patients who might benefit from this research are those with advanced ovarian cancer, especially if their cancer has become resistant to current treatments.

Not a fit: Patients whose ovarian cancer responds well to existing treatments may not directly benefit from this specific new approach, as it targets drug resistance.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a safer and more effective treatment option for women with advanced, drug-resistant ovarian cancer.

How similar studies have performed: This approach uses a novel polymer-metal combination and a unique mechanism to kill cancer cells, making it a new and untested strategy.

Where this research is happening

Columbia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Anti-Cancer Agents
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.