Understanding how FAK affects cancer growth in ovarian cancer

Dissecting FAK-regulated oncogenic signaling programs in ovarian cancer

NIH-funded research University of California, San Diego · NIH-10830960

This study is looking at how a protein called FAK affects the growth and treatment resistance of high-grade serous ovarian cancer, using a special mouse model to help find new ways to improve treatment for patients like you.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-10830960 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in the development and resistance of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). By using a new mouse model that mimics the genetic complexity of HGSOC, the researchers aim to uncover how FAK signaling contributes to the cancer's ability to resist chemotherapy. The study employs various techniques, including genetic manipulation and bioinformatics, to analyze how FAK influences cancer cell behavior and survival. Patients may benefit from insights gained about FAK's role in treatment resistance, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with high-grade serous ovarian cancer, especially those experiencing treatment resistance.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of ovarian cancer or those who are not currently undergoing treatment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for ovarian cancer, particularly for patients who have developed resistance to current therapies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting FAK in cancer models can lead to promising results, indicating that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancersneoplasm/cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.