Targeting metabolic weakness in ARID1A-mutated ovarian cancer
Metabolic basis of ARID1A-mutated ovarian cancer
This project tests whether blocking a tumor enzyme called glutaminase together with immunotherapy can better treat women with ARID1A-mutated ovarian cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 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 ID | NIH-11225083 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work focuses on ovarian cancers that have inactivated ARID1A, a common change that makes tumors depend on glutamine metabolism. Researchers will study how a drug that blocks glutaminase (such as CB-839) affects tumor cells and the immune response, and whether adding anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy improves tumor control. The team will use laboratory models, molecular studies, and translational experiments to understand the underlying biology and treatment effects. Promising results would guide future clinical trials for patients with ARID1A-mutant ovarian cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be women with ovarian clear cell or endometrioid tumors shown to carry ARID1A mutations who are eligible for trials of glutaminase inhibition combined with PD-L1 blockade.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not have ARID1A mutations or who cannot receive immunotherapy or glutaminase inhibitors are unlikely to benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the combination could produce a new, more effective treatment option that shrinks ARID1A-mutant ovarian tumors and improves outcomes for patients with these hard-to-treat cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Glutaminase inhibitors like CB-839 have shown activity in early cancer trials and immune checkpoint drugs work in some tumors, but combining them specifically for ARID1A-mutant ovarian cancer is a newer strategy with mainly preclinical support so far.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Rugang — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Rugang
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.