Creating patient-derived tumor models for uterine (endometrial) cancer
PDX Modeling Core
Using tumor samples from people with uterine cancer to build lab and mouse models so researchers can test new drug approaches that target DNA replication stress.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11323913 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will collect tumor tissue from people with uterine (endometrial) cancer and create patient-derived xenografts (PDX), patient-derived organoids (PDO), and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs). These models will be maintained and carefully compared to the original tumors using pathology and genomic sequencing to ensure they match. Scientists will use the models to try treatments aimed at replication stress, including WEE1 inhibitors, ATR plus PI3K combinations, and methods to trigger anti-tumor immunity through the cGAS/STING pathway. The Core supports multiple project teams by providing these well-characterized preclinical models and experimental design expertise.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with uterine (endometrial) cancer who can provide tumor tissue from surgery or biopsy, especially those with uterine serous or p53-mutated tumors, would be most relevant for contributing samples.
Not a fit: Patients without uterine cancer or those who cannot or do not want to provide tumor tissue are unlikely to directly benefit from participating in this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify more effective, targeted therapies for uterine cancers and guide treatments that better match a patient’s tumor biology.
How similar studies have performed: Patient-derived xenografts and organoids have been useful in many cancers to predict drug responses, but some of the specific combination approaches and immune-activation strategies in uterine cancer are relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Dana-Farber Cancer Inst — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Joyce — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Liu, Joyce
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.