Using hedgehog inhibitors to improve cancer treatment response
Project 3: Hedgehog Inhibition to Enhance Response to ICI Therapy
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 ID | NIH-10925287 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer who have not responded to current immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies.
Not a fit: Patients with non-ovarian cancers or those who have not been diagnosed with cancer may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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
Pittsburgh, United States
- 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 below.