Investigating how acetylcarnitine affects ovarian cancer treatment resistance

Acylcarnitine Metabolism in Ovarian Cancer Chemoresistance

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11072507

This study is looking at how a substance called acetylcarnitine might help make a tough type of ovarian cancer, which often doesn't respond well to chemotherapy, more sensitive to treatment by affecting how the cancer repairs its DNA.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-11072507 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC), a common type of ovarian cancer that often becomes resistant to chemotherapy. The study aims to understand how acetylcarnitine, a compound involved in metabolism, influences the cancer's ability to repair DNA damage, which is a key factor in its resistance to treatment. By mapping the effects of acetylcarnitine on histone acetylation and DNA repair mechanisms, the researchers hope to identify new ways to make HGSOC more responsive to standard chemotherapy. This could lead to innovative therapies that target the metabolic pathways involved in chemoresistance.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma who are experiencing chemotherapy resistance.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of ovarian cancer or those who are not currently undergoing chemotherapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy for ovarian cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting metabolic pathways to overcome chemoresistance in various cancers, suggesting that this approach may be viable.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, 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.
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Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.