Using Auranofin to target the Notch pathway for ovarian cancer treatment
Official title: Repurposing Auranofin As a Novel Notch Pathway Inhibitor for Combinational Ovarian Cancer Therapy
Funded at University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr · NIH-11005314 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a medicine called Auranofin, which is already used for other conditions, might help improve treatments for women with ovarian cancer by blocking a specific pathway that helps the cancer grow and resist treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $178,234 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA286210-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11005314 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with high-grade serous ovarian cancer, especially those experiencing treatment resistance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage ovarian cancer or those whose cancer is not associated with Notch pathway aberrations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of Auranofin, a drug already approved for other uses, to inhibit the Notch signaling pathway in ovarian cancer. The Notch pathway is known to play a significant role in cancer progression and resistance to treatment. By targeting this pathway, the research aims to enhance the effectiveness of existing therapies for both newly diagnosed and relapsed ovarian cancer patients. The approach focuses on modifying the interaction of key proteins involved in the Notch signaling, which could lead to improved treatment outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new therapeutic option for patients with ovarian cancer, particularly those who have developed resistance to current treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting the Notch pathway in various cancers, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fan, Hua-Ying — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Fan, Hua-Ying
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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.