Developing targeted therapies for aggressive gynecological cancers
Official title: Platform to develop targeted therapies for aggressive less common gynecological cancers
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10881945 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new treatment options for aggressive uterine and ovarian cancers that don't respond well to regular chemotherapy, especially to help improve outcomes for Black women who are more affected by these cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 5, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $243,836 |
| NIH project number | 5U54CA283759-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10881945 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include women diagnosed with aggressive subtypes of uterine or ovarian cancers, particularly those who have not responded well to standard treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage or less aggressive forms of gynecological cancers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating new treatment options for aggressive gynecological cancers, particularly certain types of uterine and ovarian cancers that are often resistant to standard chemotherapy. The team has developed a platform using patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, which involve transplanting patient tumors into mice to study their behavior and response to potential therapies. By identifying genetic vulnerabilities in these cancers, the researchers aim to discover effective treatments that can be tested in clinical trials. This approach is particularly important for addressing the disparities in outcomes for Black women who are disproportionately affected by these cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatment options for women suffering from aggressive gynecological cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise using similar PDX models to develop targeted therapies, indicating that this approach has the potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Simpkins, Fiona — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Simpkins, Fiona
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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.