Using Auranofin to target the Notch pathway for ovarian cancer treatment

Repurposing Auranofin As a Novel Notch Pathway Inhibitor for Combinational Ovarian Cancer Therapy

NIH-funded research University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr · NIH-11005314

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 typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Albuquerque, United States)
Project IDNIH-11005314 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

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

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage ovarian cancer or those whose cancer is not associated with Notch pathway aberrations may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Albuquerque, 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 anti-cancer therapy
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.