Understanding how certain proteins help ovarian cancer cells survive chemotherapy
The roles of anti-apoptotic proteins BCL-XL and MCL1 in mediating survival of high-grade serous ovarian cancer following drug-induced DNA damage
This study is looking at how certain proteins help ovarian cancer cells survive after chemotherapy, and it will test new treatments that combine these proteins' blockers with chemotherapy to see if they can make the cancer cells die more effectively, especially for patients whose cancer isn't responding to regular treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10653887 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of anti-apoptotic proteins BCL-XL and MCL1 in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), particularly how they contribute to the survival of cancer cells after chemotherapy. The study will involve testing various inhibitors of these proteins in combination with chemotherapy drugs to see if they can enhance cancer cell death. By examining the interactions between these proteins and the effects of DNA-damaging agents, the research aims to identify new treatment strategies for patients whose cancer has become resistant to standard therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with high-grade serous ovarian cancer who are undergoing or have undergone chemotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage ovarian cancer or those whose cancer is not high-grade serous may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer, particularly those who have developed resistance to current chemotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches targeting anti-apoptotic proteins in various cancers, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Dana-Farber Cancer Inst — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stover, Elizabeth Harmon — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Stover, Elizabeth Harmon
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.