Targeting a specific protein to improve treatment for rare types of ovarian cancer
Official title: Targeting MDM4 in Rare Refractory Ovarian Cancer Sub-Types
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11002697 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to make the chemotherapy drug cisplatin work better for patients with rare types of ovarian cancer that have a specific genetic makeup, by finding new ways to activate a key protein that can help overcome resistance to the drug, so that these patients can have more effective treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | December 20, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $227,205 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA286992-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002697 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with rare sub-types of ovarian cancer that express wild-type p53 and have shown resistance to cisplatin.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with ovarian cancer sub-types that do not express wild-type p53 or those who have not been treated with cisplatin may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of cisplatin, a common chemotherapy drug, for patients with rare sub-types of ovarian cancer that have a specific genetic profile. The study aims to understand how the wild-type p53 tumor suppressor can be activated to overcome resistance to cisplatin, which is often ineffective in these cancers. By identifying new therapeutic strategies, the research seeks to provide targeted treatment options for patients who currently have limited choices. The approach involves both laboratory experiments and potential clinical applications to improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with rare refractory ovarian cancer sub-types, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting p53 pathways in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in therapy for resistant cancers.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Siddik, Zahid H — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Siddik, Zahid H
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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.