NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Mitotic MTH1 Inhibitors for Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer

Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11421329 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A treatment approach targeting a specific cancer cell weakness (MTH1) to help women whose ovarian cancer stopped responding to platinum-based therapy.

More Ovarian Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMayo Clinic Rochester
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project startJuly 1, 2009
Project endAugust 31, 2031
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$275,888
NIH project number2P50CA136393-16
Project IDNIH-11421329 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer who have progressed after platinum-based therapy.

Less likely to help

Patients whose cancer does not rely on MTH1 pathways or who cannot tolerate MTH1 inhibitors may not benefit.

What this research studies

This grant focuses on a targeted cancer therapy for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer by inhibiting MTH1, a key enzyme cancer cells rely on. The work includes preclinical studies showing that MTH1 inhibitors can disrupt cancer cell survival and work well with paclitaxel to shrink tumors. Researchers have already observed that an MTH1 inhibitor, karonudib, causes cancer cells to accumulate damaged DNA and die, while sparing normal fallopian tube cells in the lab. The project aims to advance these findings toward clinical relevance for patients who have exhausted standard treatments.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a new option for patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, potentially improving response rates and survival.

How similar studies have gone: Preclinical data with MTH1 inhibitors show cytotoxic effects in ovarian cancer cell lines and synergy with paclitaxel; translation to patients remains ongoing.

Where this research is happening

  • Mayo Clinic Rochester
    Rochester, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Kaufmann, Scott H — Mayo Clinic Rochester
  • Study coordinator: Kaufmann, Scott H

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.