Developing a system to test ovarian damage from cancer treatments
Ex vivo whole ovary culture system for screening gonadotoxicity during drug development
This study is looking at a new way to see how chemotherapy affects women's ovaries, using a special system that keeps the ovaries healthy while testing the impact of a common cancer drug, so we can get better information about how treatments might affect fertility.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Expanse Bio LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (North Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10823136 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a new method to assess the impact of cancer treatments on ovarian health. By developing an ex vivo culture system that allows for the long-term observation of whole ovaries, researchers aim to better understand how chemotherapy affects ovarian function. The approach involves using a microfluidic organ perfusion device to maintain ovarian tissue in optimal conditions while testing the effects of a common chemotherapy drug. This innovative method seeks to provide more accurate data on ovarian toxicity compared to traditional models.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are young women and girls diagnosed with cancer who are at risk of ovarian damage from chemotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing cancer treatment or who have already experienced irreversible ovarian damage may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preserving ovarian function in women undergoing cancer treatment.
How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific ex vivo whole ovary culture system represents a novel advancement in the field.
Where this research is happening
North Charleston, United States
- Expanse Bio LLC — North Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ting, Alison Y — Expanse Bio LLC
- Study coordinator: Ting, Alison Y
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.