Developing targeted therapies for aggressive gynecological cancers

Platform to develop targeted therapies for aggressive less common gynecological cancers

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10881945

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10881945 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: 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.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage or less aggressive forms of gynecological cancers may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.