Microfluidic tumor models to speed ovarian cancer treatments
Use of microfluidic tumor cultures to enable clinical trials of therapies for ovarian cancer
This project builds tiny lab-grown ovarian tumor systems to help find better chemotherapy and immune-cell treatments for people with high-grade serous ovarian cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11256719 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This SPORE project uses patient tumor samples to make microfluidic "tumor-on-chip" cultures that better mimic human tumor surroundings than standard mouse tests. Researchers will use these human-like models to test a new topoisomerase 1 chemotherapy aimed at PARP inhibitor- and platinum-resistant tumors and to screen genetically engineered natural killer (NK) cells. The work complements patient-derived mouse models and draws on a biospecimen and patient registry core so findings can move toward clinical trials. The goal is to speed safer, more relevant preclinical testing and identify promising treatment options for future patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with high-grade serous ovarian cancer, especially those with PARP inhibitor- or platinum-resistant disease or those willing to donate tumor tissue for research.
Not a fit: Patients without high-grade serous ovarian cancer, people seeking immediate treatment benefit, or those unwilling to provide tissue samples are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help identify more effective chemotherapy and engineered immune cell therapies faster and with fewer animal tests, leading to better options for patients with resistant ovarian cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Lab-on-chip tumor models and engineered immune cells have shown promise in other cancers, but applying these approaches to therapy-resistant high-grade serous ovarian cancer is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maia, Alexandre Gaspar — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Maia, Alexandre Gaspar
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 below.