Overcoming drug resistance in ovarian cancer using the Fanconi Anemia pathway
Official title: Targeting Fanconi Anemia pathway to overcome platinum drug resistance in ovarian cancer
Funded at George Washington University · NIH-11059114 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to make chemotherapy work better for ovarian cancer patients by understanding a specific pathway in cancer cells that can make them resistant to treatment, with the hope of finding new ways to improve their care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $392,347 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA247684-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059114 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with ovarian cancer who have shown resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with ovarian cancer who have not undergone platinum-based chemotherapy or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the Fanconi Anemia (FA) pathway can be targeted to combat resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy in ovarian cancer patients. The study aims to understand the mechanisms that lead to the activation of FA signaling in cancer cells, which is a major contributor to treatment failure. By exploring the role of specific proteins involved in this pathway, the researchers hope to develop new strategies that enhance the effectiveness of existing therapies. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved treatment options and outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new therapeutic strategies to improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy for ovarian cancer patients who currently experience drug resistance.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting the FA pathway to overcome drug resistance in various cancers, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
George Washington University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Wenge — George Washington University
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Wenge
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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In vivo gene repair to restore healthy hematopoiesis in Fanconi anemia
A study aims to repair faulty genes inside patients’ blood-forming cells to help people with Fanconi anemia regain healthy blood cell production.
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Understanding genetic dependencies when Fanconi anemia pathway is lost
A study to find other genes or pathways that cancer cells rely on when the Fanconi anemia repair system is broken, with the aim of guiding future treatments.
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Innovative cell and gene therapy approaches to treat Fanconi anemia
A Stanford-led project aims to develop safer cell and gene therapies to help people with Fanconi anemia who have bone marrow failure.
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How cells detect DNA damage and activate ATR, ATM, and Fanconi anemia repair systems
Researchers are using high-resolution structural imaging to show how key repair proteins sense DNA damage, with relevance for people whose cancers come from DNA repair defects.
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In vivo gene therapy for Fanconi anemia
A patient-focused overview of a potential in vivo gene therapy approach to correct Fanconi anemia, aiming to reduce the need for donor transplants.
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Fanconi anemia: what happens inside cells
Researchers want to learn how proteins called REV7 and CHAMP1 change DNA repair in people with Fanconi anemia and related genetic syndromes.
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.