Targeting the LIF pathway in endometrial cancer
Development of new therapeutic approaches for endometrial cancer
A new drug that blocks the LIF/LIFR pathway is being developed to help people with advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11139404 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers found that high activity of the LIF/LIFR signaling pathway is linked with worse outcomes in endometrial cancer and is increased by obesity. They have created a small-molecule blocker called EC359 and are testing how well it stops cancer cell growth in lab models and in animal studies, and how it might work with existing therapies. The project includes studies of human tumor data and samples to confirm whether the drug hits the intended target in patient-derived tissue. If results are promising, the work could support future clinical trials for people with advanced type I and type II endometrial cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with advanced, recurrent, or high-grade endometrial cancer (including grade 2–3 endometrioid and type II tumors) would be the most relevant candidates for related clinical trials.
Not a fit: People with early-stage endometrial cancer already cured by surgery or whose tumors are not driven by LIF/LIFR signaling may not benefit from this therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could slow tumor growth, lower recurrence risk, and improve responses to current treatments for advanced endometrial cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Targeted pathway inhibitors have helped other cancers, but blocking the LIF/LIFR pathway in endometrial cancer is a newer idea with encouraging early lab findings rather than established clinical success.
Where this research is happening
San Antonio, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Science Center — San Antonio, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Viswanadhapalli, Suryavathi — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Viswanadhapalli, Suryavathi
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.