Investigating how cancer cells communicate and spread in ovarian cancer

Imaging mass spectrometry methodologies for studying the metabolites of cancer metastasis

NIH-funded research University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-10830278

This study is looking at how high grade serous ovarian cancer spreads from the fallopian tubes to other parts of the body, using special imaging techniques to understand the chemicals involved, which could help find new ways to treat this serious cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10830278 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on high grade serous ovarian cancer, the most lethal form of ovarian cancer, which is believed to originate in the fallopian tubes. The team is using advanced imaging mass spectrometry techniques to study the metabolites and biomolecules that facilitate the spread of cancer cells from the fallopian tubes to the ovaries and other organs. By creating a 3D co-culture model of ovarian and fallopian tube cancer cells, the researchers aim to uncover the chemical signals that enhance tumor migration and invasion. This innovative approach could lead to a better understanding of how these cancers metastasize and potentially identify new therapeutic targets.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with high grade serous ovarian cancer or those at high risk for developing this type of cancer.

Not a fit: Patients with non-serous types of ovarian cancer or those without a cancer diagnosis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating metastatic ovarian cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using metabolomics to understand cancer metastasis, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, 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.
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.