Using enhanced natural killer cells to treat resistant ovarian cancer
Official title: Exploring super charged NK cells as a novel cell-based immune therapy in targeting platinum resistant ovarian cancers
Funded at VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System · NIH-10804926 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment for women with hard-to-treat ovarian cancer by using specially enhanced immune cells to help the body fight the cancer more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 1I01BX006411-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10804926 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with high grade serous ovarian cancers that have shown resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of ovarian cancer or those who have not undergone platinum-based chemotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new immune therapy using specially enhanced natural killer (NK) cells to target high grade serous ovarian cancers that do not respond to standard platinum-based chemotherapy. The approach involves expanding and activating NK cells outside the body to create 'super charged' NK cells, which are then reintroduced to the patient to effectively attack cancer cells. This method aims to overcome the challenges posed by cancer cells that evade traditional treatments, particularly those with unique stem-like properties. By utilizing these powerful immune cells, the research seeks to improve treatment outcomes for women suffering from this aggressive form of cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel and effective treatment option for women with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using enhanced NK cell therapies for various cancers, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Memarzadeh, Sanaz — VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Memarzadeh, Sanaz
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.