Using hedgehog inhibitors to improve cancer treatment response
Official title: Project 3: Hedgehog Inhibition to Enhance Response to ICI Therapy
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10925287 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a new treatment called hedgehog inhibitors can help make immune therapies work better for people with ovarian cancer by changing the tumor environment to boost the body's immune response against the cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $447,715 |
| NIH project number | 5P50CA272218-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10925287 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer who have not responded to current immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-ovarian cancers or those who have not been diagnosed with cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how hedgehog inhibitors can enhance the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in patients with ovarian cancer. The study focuses on the unique tumor microenvironment of ovarian cancer, which often suppresses immune responses, making it difficult for patients to benefit from existing therapies. By targeting specific cells in the tumor environment, the researchers aim to convert immunosuppressive cells into ones that promote anti-tumor immunity, potentially improving treatment outcomes for patients. The approach involves both laboratory studies and clinical assessments to evaluate the impact of hedgehog inhibitors on immune responses in ovarian cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the number of ovarian cancer patients who respond to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using hedgehog inhibitors to enhance immune responses in cancer, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Buckanovich, Ronald J — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Buckanovich, Ronald J
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.