Changing the environment around ovarian tumors to improve treatment outcomes
Reprogramming the Tumor Microenvironment in Ovarian Cancer
This study is looking at how high-grade serous ovarian cancer hides from the immune system and how a protein called FAK helps it grow, with the goal of finding better ways to boost immune treatments for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10872184 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on high-grade serous ovarian cancer, which is a leading cause of death among gynecologic cancers. The study aims to understand how the tumor microenvironment (TME) suppresses the immune response, allowing tumors to evade treatment. Researchers have developed new mouse models to analyze the signals that contribute to this immune evasion and are investigating the role of a specific protein called FAK in promoting tumor growth and immune suppression. By using various techniques, including pharmacological inhibitors, they hope to find ways to enhance the effectiveness of immune therapies for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with high-grade serous ovarian cancer who have experienced recurrence after initial treatment.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage ovarian cancer or those who do not have high-grade serous ovarian cancer may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies that enhance the immune response against ovarian cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting the tumor microenvironment in various cancers, suggesting that this approach could be beneficial in ovarian cancer as well.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schlaepfer, David D — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Schlaepfer, David D
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.