Targeting the immune system to help treat recurrent ovarian cancer
Official title: Targeting complement to enhance antitumor immunity and control malignant effusions in patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer
Funded at Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp · NIH-11364172 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to test a new approach that blocks a part of the immune system (complement) to boost anticancer immunity in people with recurrent ovarian cancer and fluid buildup.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Buffalo, United States) |
| Project start | August 24, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $663,819 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA267690-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11364172 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer and persistent malignant effusions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose disease does not respond to the complement-blocking strategy or who experience intolerable side effects may not benefit.
What this research studies
In this study, researchers plan to add a complement blocker called APL-2 to standard care for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer and malignant effusions, to see if it can enhance immune attack on cancer cells. The team has observed that certain immune cells that usually fight cancer can be dampened by complement signals, and blocking this pathway may restore more effective immunity. The trial design includes monitoring safety and how well patients respond, with a focus on those who have measurable disease and persistent effusions. If successful, this work could pave the way for more effective immunotherapy strategies in ovarian cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the approach works, patients might experience better control of the cancer and fewer cancer-related complications from malignant fluids.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical and early human data suggest complement blockade could enhance anti-tumor immunity, but clinical effectiveness in recurrent ovarian cancer needs confirmation.
Where this research is happening
-
Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp
Buffalo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zsiros, Emese — Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp
- Study coordinator: Zsiros, Emese
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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.