Blocking EGFL6 to treat ovarian cancer
Targeting EGFL6 in Ovarian Cancer
This project develops antibodies that block a protein called EGFL6 to reduce tumor blood vessel growth in adults with high-grade serous ovarian cancer.
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 ID | NIH-11159408 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers found that EGFL6 is much higher in the blood vessels of high‑grade serous ovarian tumors than in normal ovarian tissue or healing wounds. High EGFL6 levels appear linked to an immune‑suppressing tumor environment and more supportive tumor blood vessels. The team created humanized antibodies that block EGFL6 and tested them in laboratory and animal models, where the antibodies reduced angiogenesis and slowed tumor growth. If these preclinical results continue to look promising, the antibodies could move into early clinical trials for people with ovarian cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) with high‑grade serous ovarian cancer, especially those whose tumors show high EGFL6 expression or who have progressed after VEGF‑targeted therapy, would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People without high‑grade serous ovarian cancer or whose tumors do not overexpress EGFL6 are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new treatments that shrink ovarian tumors and block tumor blood vessel growth, potentially helping patients who do not respond well to current VEGF‑targeting drugs.
How similar studies have performed: VEGF‑targeting drugs like bevacizumab have helped some patients but often face resistance and side effects; targeting EGFL6 is a newer strategy with strong preclinical results but no proven benefit yet in patients.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sood, Anil K — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Sood, Anil K
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 below.