Understanding how ovarian cancer becomes resistant to a specific treatment.

NAD+ metabolism in PARP inhibitor resistance of ovarian cancer

NIH-funded research Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11067797

This study is looking into why some patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer don’t respond to a certain treatment called PARP inhibitors, focusing on a specific enzyme that helps cancer cells fix themselves, with the hope of finding better treatment options for those who need them.

Quick facts

Grant typeR37 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project IDNIH-11067797 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms behind why high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) becomes resistant to PARP inhibitors, a treatment that is effective for some patients with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. The study focuses on the role of a specific enzyme, NMNAT1, which is linked to increased levels of NAD+, a molecule that helps cancer cells repair themselves. By using cell lines and patient-derived models, the researchers aim to identify potential new treatment strategies that could target this resistance mechanism. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective therapies for recurrent ovarian cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer, particularly those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations who have experienced treatment resistance.

Not a fit: Patients with ovarian cancer types that do not involve BRCA mutations or those who have not developed resistance to current therapies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for patients with ovarian cancer who currently have limited effective therapies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cancer treatment resistance, but this specific approach focusing on NMNAT1 and NAD+ metabolism is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Rochester, 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.
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.