Improving early detection of ovarian cancer recurrence using MUC16 analysis
Official title: Targeted proteomics of MUC16 to enable early detection of ovarian cancer recurrence
Funded at University of Kansas Lawrence · NIH-10543477 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to detect if high-grade serous ovarian cancer comes back by looking at a specific protein in the blood, which could help doctors catch it earlier and manage treatment better for women facing this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Lawrence NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lawrence, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $167,270 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA267532-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10543477 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with high-grade serous ovarian cancer who are undergoing treatment and monitoring for recurrence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who are not currently being treated for ovarian cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new diagnostic tools to detect the recurrence of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) earlier and more reliably. The team aims to analyze MUC16, a protein overexpressed in ovarian cancer cells, to identify its various forms and glycan profiles, which may provide critical information for diagnosis. By enriching MUC16 from the serum of women undergoing treatment, the researchers hope to create a more sensitive assay that could lead to better management of the disease. This innovative approach seeks to address the limitations of current CA125 immunoassays and improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection of ovarian cancer recurrence, allowing for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of analyzing MUC16 for diagnostic purposes is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in utilizing biomarkers for cancer detection, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Lawrence
Lawrence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whelan, Rebecca Jean — University of Kansas Lawrence
- Study coordinator: Whelan, Rebecca Jean
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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.