How fat use changes make ovarian cancer more invasive and chemo‑resistant
Lipid Metabolism Switch Triggers Invasive and Chemoresistant Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Phenotype
['FUNDING_R01'] · BROWN UNIVERSITY · NIH-11146614
This project looks at whether shifts in how ovarian cancer cells use fats make them more likely to spread and resist chemotherapy for people with epithelial ovarian cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BROWN UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PROVIDENCE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11146614 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will grow 3-D ovarian tumor organoids (mini-tumors) in the lab to better mimic the tumor environment. They will use single-cell biophysical tests to find and study polyploidal giant cancer cells, a small group of cells that can survive treatment and later regrow tumors. The team will track metabolic shifts from sugar-based to oxygen- and fat-based energy, watching mitochondrial activity, loss of lipid droplets, and autophagy. The goal is to pinpoint traits of invasive, drug-resistant cells that could be targeted in future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with epithelial ovarian cancer—especially those with omental/abdominal spread, ascites, or tumors that have become resistant to chemotherapy—would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People without epithelial ovarian cancer (for example, those with benign ovarian conditions or non-ovarian cancers) are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat invasive, chemo‑resistant ovarian cancer cells and lower the chance of relapse.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have linked metabolic switching and lipid use to cancer invasiveness, but targeting polyploidal giant cancer cells is a newer and largely experimental approach.
Where this research is happening
PROVIDENCE, UNITED STATES
- BROWN UNIVERSITY — PROVIDENCE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DAWSON, MICHELLE R — BROWN UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: DAWSON, MICHELLE R
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.