Boosting the body's defenses against recurrent ovarian cancer and managing fluid buildup
Targeting complement to enhance antitumor immunity and control malignant effusions in patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer
This project explores a new way to strengthen the immune system against recurrent ovarian cancer and reduce fluid accumulation by targeting a specific part of the immune response.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Buffalo, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11141676 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Ovarian cancer can be challenging to treat, especially when it returns, and current immune therapies don't always work well. We've found that certain immune cells, called neutrophils, can sometimes suppress the body's ability to fight the cancer, and this process involves a system called complement. This project aims to block the complement system using a medication called APL-2 to help the immune system better attack cancer cells. We are conducting a clinical trial to see if APL-2 can improve the immune response and help control fluid buildup in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This opportunity is for patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer who also experience persistent malignant effusions, which is fluid buildup.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancer is not recurrent or who do not have malignant effusions may not be suitable for this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make immunotherapy more effective and help manage painful fluid accumulation in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Early findings in human samples and animal models suggest that targeting the complement system can boost anti-tumor immunity, and the drug APL-2 has shown to be safe in prior use.
Where this research is happening
Buffalo, United States
- Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp — Buffalo, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zsiros, Emese — Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp
- Study coordinator: Zsiros, Emese
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.