Developing a new treatment for ovarian cancer using engineered proteins
Lectikines for Immunotherapy against Ovarian Cancer
This study is testing a new treatment for ovarian cancer that uses a special protein to help the immune system target cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone, and it's designed for people battling this tough disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11020971 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to create a novel immunotherapeutic drug candidate specifically targeting ovarian cancer, which is a leading cause of death among gynecological cancers. The approach involves engineering a small protein called Avaren lectin that can selectively bind to ovarian cancer cells while sparing normal tissues. By combining this lectin with a human antibody fragment, the researchers hope to enhance the immune response against the cancer cells. The study will utilize both laboratory and animal models to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this new treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer, particularly those who have not responded well to existing treatments.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage ovarian cancer or those who have not been diagnosed with ovarian cancer may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective and targeted treatment option for patients with ovarian cancer, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of engineered proteins in cancer immunotherapy is a growing field, this specific approach utilizing Avaren lectin for ovarian cancer is novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
Louisville, United States
- University of Louisville — Louisville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Matoba, Nobuyuki — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Matoba, Nobuyuki
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.