NIH-funded research R21 grant

Finding new ways to stop cancer cells from spreading

Official title: Identifying novel targets for cancer using high throughput deformability screening

Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11034369 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking for new ways to stop cancer cells from spreading, especially in patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer, by testing how these cells react to different treatments and finding new compounds that could help improve their care.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Los Angeles
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project startFebruary 1, 2025
Project endJanuary 31, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$220,894
NIH project number1R21CA289090-01A1
Project IDNIH-11034369 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer, particularly those who have experienced recurrence after standard chemotherapy.

Less likely to help

Patients with early-stage ovarian cancer or those who have not undergone chemotherapy may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research aims to identify new regulators that can prevent the spread of cancer cells, particularly in high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Using a unique high throughput cell filtration technology, the team will analyze how cancer cells change in response to treatment and discover new compounds that can block their ability to spread. By focusing on the physical properties of cancer cells, the research seeks to uncover novel therapeutic targets that could lead to more effective treatments for patients whose cancer has become resistant to standard therapies.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively prevent the recurrence and spread of ovarian cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting the physical properties of cancer cells, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment.

Where this research is happening

  • University of California Los Angeles
    Los Angeles, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Rowat, Amy C — University of California Los Angeles
  • Study coordinator: Rowat, Amy C

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.