Why ovarian cancer returns after chemotherapy — the role of an alternative NF‑κB signal
Alternative NF-kB activation in post-chemotherapy setting to elucidate novel mechanisms of ovarian cancer relapse
This project looks at whether a signaling pathway called alternative NF‑κB helps chemo‑resistant ovarian cancer cells survive and lead to relapse in women treated for ovarian cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | San Diego State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11173656 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you participate, researchers will study tumor tissue and blood from women treated with chemotherapy to see how the tumor environment changes after treatment. They will look for activation of an alternative NF‑κB pathway and signals like TWEAK that may allow tumor‑initiating cells to survive. In the lab, scientists will use patient‑derived samples, cell models, and tools such as CRISPR to turn genes on or off and watch how cancer cells respond. The aim is to understand how relapse begins so new ways to stop it can be developed.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Women with ovarian cancer who have completed or are receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy and who can provide tumor tissue or blood samples would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People without ovarian cancer, or those seeking immediate clinical treatment rather than contributing samples for research, are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new approaches to prevent ovarian cancer relapse by targeting the signals that let resistant cells survive after chemo.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory and preclinical studies link alternative NF‑κB to tumor‑initiating cells and chemoresistance, but translating these findings into patient therapies is still largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
San Diego, United States
- San Diego State University — San Diego, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: House, Carrie Danielle — San Diego State University
- Study coordinator: House, Carrie Danielle
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.