Investigating a specific protein's role in ovarian cancer progression
Official title: The role of tumor endothelium-specific prion-gene PRND in epithelial ovarian cancer
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11044391 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called Doppel that appears in ovarian cancer to see if it can help us find the cancer earlier and create better treatments, which could be really helpful for patients dealing with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $173,854 |
| NIH project number | 7R21CA264627-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044391 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer, particularly those at various stages of the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-epithelial types of ovarian cancer or those without a diagnosis of ovarian cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a protein called Doppel, which is found in tumors, contributes to the progression of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). The study aims to evaluate whether Doppel can serve as a specific biomarker for early detection of EOC and to explore new treatment strategies that target this protein. By examining the relationship between Doppel and tumor blood vessel formation, the research seeks to develop therapies that could be effective against both sensitive and resistant forms of ovarian cancer. Patients may benefit from improved detection methods and targeted treatments if the research is successful.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and more effective treatments for ovarian cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in targeting similar proteins for cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could be viable.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Al-Hilal, Taslim a — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Al-Hilal, Taslim a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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TAG72 CAR-T therapy for recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer
A targeted CAR-T cell therapy delivered into the abdomen for women with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer to attack cancer cells expressing TAG72.
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Liquid biopsy clues: plasma bacteria as early warning for epithelial ovarian cancer
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Understanding how cancer cells talk to the immune system and how to use that to treat ovarian cancer
This grant studies how aging-like changes in ovarian cancer cells drive harmful signals and tests new ways to block those signals to improve treatment.
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Targeting the immune system to help treat recurrent ovarian cancer
Aims to test a new approach that blocks a part of the immune system (complement) to boost anticancer immunity in people with recurrent ovarian cancer and fluid buildup.
-
Th17-inducing vaccine plus pembrolizumab for recurrent ovarian cancer
A phase I/II study tests a vaccine that activates Th17 immune cells together with pembrolizumab to help fight recurrent ovarian cancer.
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CAR T-cell therapy targeting TAG72 for recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer
This trial tries a CAR T‑cell treatment that targets the TAG72 protein for people with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer, given directly into the abdomen.
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.