Targeting hormone resistance to prevent endometrial cancer
Official title: Targeting Progesterone Resistance for Endometrial Cancer Prevention
Funded at University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-11450344 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to boost progesterone’s cancer-preventing effect in the lining of the uterus to stop cancer from developing in people at risk, especially those who are obese or young.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $437,142 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA303462-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11450344 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals at risk for endometrial cancer, particularly those with obesity or precancerous uterine lesions who may ultimately benefit from non-surgical prevention.
✕Less likely to help
People without risk factors or endometrial lesions may not directly benefit from this prevention strategy.
What this research studies
This project focuses on preventing endometrial cancer by restoring progesterone sensitivity in precancerous uterine lesions. Researchers will study how histone deacetylases, especially HDAC8, affect progesterone receptor levels and how sulforaphane might reverse this to improve non-surgical prevention options. The work uses preclinical models to test whether blocking HDAC8 and combining with progesterone could reduce progression from EIN/AEH to cancer. If successful, it could lead to less invasive strategies for women who want to preserve fertility or avoid surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could provide an effective, fertility-preserving option to prevent endometrial cancer in high-risk women.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical evidence suggests that boosting progesterone sensitivity can improve responses, supporting further development; this remains an early-stage approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chandra, Vishal — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
- Study coordinator: Chandra, Vishal
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Prognostic tools to guide adjuvant therapy for Black women after hysterectomy for endometrial cancer
A new project aims to create and validate easy-to-use tools that help doctors tailor post-surgery treatment for Black women with endometrial cancer.
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Understanding why guideline-concordant endometrial cancer treatment varies in high-risk groups
This project looks at why some patients with endometrial cancer don’t receive care that follows national guidelines, aiming to find ways to ensure more patients get the best-supported treatments.
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Inhibiting AXL to Improve Treatment Response in Endometrial Cancer
A cancer treatment study is testing whether blocking AXL with batiraxcept together with standard chemotherapy can help people with certain aggressive uterine cancers respond better.
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Targeting HSPA Proteins to Help Women with Advanced or Recurrent Endometrial Cancer
Aims to test a drug called SHetA2 that may slow or stop growth of advanced endometrial cancer by targeting cancer-friendlier proteins, with a focus on reducing treatment toxicity.
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Endometrial Cancer SPORE: New strategies to prevent and treat endometrial cancer
A multi-institution program is testing new ways to prevent and treat endometrial cancer in people, with three linked projects and multiple cores to support translational research.
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Obesity-related metabolic changes and disparities in endometrial cancer
This project looks at why endometrial cancer is worse for Black women and whether obesity-related metabolic changes drive the disease, with aims to find ways to prevent or slow progression.
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.