Investigating how Egfl6 affects immune responses in ovarian cancer
Official title: The Role of Egfl6 in Tumor Immunity
Funded at Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation · NIH-11109416 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a growth factor called Egfl6 affects certain immune cells in ovarian cancer, with the goal of finding new ways to boost the body's natural defenses against the disease and improve treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 7, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $310,336 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA276279-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11109416 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer who may benefit from new immune-based therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-ovarian cancers or those who do not have a significant immune response may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of Egfl6, a growth factor, in the immune response to ovarian cancer. The study aims to explore how Egfl6 influences the behavior of immune cells, particularly myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which can suppress anti-tumor immunity. By examining the effects of Egfl6 on these cells, the researchers hope to identify new therapeutic strategies that could enhance the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors in treating ovarian cancer. The approach involves both laboratory experiments with mouse models and analysis of immune cell behavior in the context of ovarian cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for ovarian cancer by enhancing the effectiveness of immune therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting immune suppressive cells to improve cancer therapies, suggesting that this approach could be beneficial.
Where this research is happening
-
Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cascio, Sandra — Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation
- Study coordinator: Cascio, Sandra
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.