Targeting specific proteins to improve treatment for advanced endometrial cancer
Official title: Project 1: Targeting HSPA Proteins in Advanced and Recurrent Endometrial Cancer Therapy
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10912613 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new drug called SHetA2 to help women with advanced or recurring endometrial cancer by targeting specific proteins in cancer cells, with the goal of finding safer and more effective treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 23, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $376,436 |
| NIH project number | 5P50CA265793-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912613 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with advanced, recurrent, or persistent endometrial cancer who have not responded to standard treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage endometrial cancer or those whose cancer is not recurrent may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new therapies for women suffering from advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer, a type of cancer that has seen rising incidence and mortality rates. The approach involves targeting heat shock proteins that are elevated in cancer cells, using a drug called SHetA2 that disrupts the survival mechanisms of these cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. The research includes preclinical studies and is currently in a Phase 1 clinical trial to assess the drug's safety and effectiveness in patients. By understanding the molecular profiles of endometrial cancer, the research aims to provide more effective and less toxic treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and less toxic treatment options for women with advanced endometrial cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting heat shock proteins in cancer therapy, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Benbrook, Doris Mangiaracina — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Benbrook, Doris Mangiaracina
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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Targeting hormone resistance to prevent endometrial cancer
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.
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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.
-
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.
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.