Next-generation engineered NK cell therapy for ovarian cancer
Next-Generation Engineered NK Cell Immunotherapy for Ovarian Cancer
This project offers a new off-the-shelf NK cell treatment designed to attack ovarian cancer, especially disease that is resistant to platinum chemotherapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159405 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use natural killer (NK) cells from cord blood and genetically modify them to recognize a protein called TROP2 found on many ovarian cancers. They will add molecular changes to make the NK cells stronger and longer-lasting, including signals that help them survive and blocks that prevent the tumor from turning them off. The team builds on earlier work showing safety of cord blood–derived CAR-NK cells in blood cancers and aims to adapt and optimize that approach for ovarian tumors. Much of the work will move these engineered NK cells toward use in patients at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with recurrent or platinum-resistant ovarian cancer who have tumors expressing TROP2 and who are medically able to receive cell therapy.
Not a fit: People whose tumors do not express TROP2 or who have health conditions that make receiving cell therapy unsafe are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could become an off-the-shelf immune cell therapy that better controls ovarian cancers that no longer respond to standard treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Related cord blood–derived CAR-NK products have shown safety and activity in blood cancers, but NK-based therapies for solid tumors like ovarian cancer remain experimental.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rezvani, Katy — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Rezvani, Katy
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.