Finding genetic targets in ovarian tumors
Identification of Genetic Targets in Gynecological Tumors Via a Triple in Silico Ex-vivo / in Vivo Approach
This project will test whether specific genes and hormone-related pathways differ between tumor and normal ovarian tissue in adult women with epithelial ovarian cancer.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 180 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Azienda USL Reggio Emilia - IRCCS Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Reggio Emilia) |
| Trial ID | NCT07169396 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This monocentric observational project at Azienda USL IRCCS Reggio Emilia combines computational, tissue-based, and cell-line experiments to search for genetic drivers and biomarkers in ovarian cancer. Investigators will mine public transcriptomic datasets, measure mRNA and protein levels in fresh-frozen and FFPE patient samples, and perform functional overexpression and silencing experiments in ovarian cancer cell lines. The work includes both prospective patients who provide informed consent and retrospective samples obtained under ethical waiver, with control tissue from benign surgeries. Results aim to highlight genes or pathways, including gonadotropin and membrane estrogen receptor signaling, that differentiate tumors from normal ovarian epithelium.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adult women (age ≥18) with histologically confirmed epithelial ovarian cancer (including high-grade serous, endometrioid, mucinous, clear cell, or mesonephric-like subtypes) or patients providing control ovarian tissue during benign surgery are eligible, with prospective cases requiring informed consent.
Not a fit: Patients with low-grade or non-epithelial ovarian tumors or those without sufficient clinical or pathological data are unlikely to be included or benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify diagnostic markers or new therapeutic targets that help guide future treatments for epithelial ovarian cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Related transcriptomic and functional studies have previously identified candidate biomarkers in ovarian cancer, but targeting gonadotropin-related signaling remains largely exploratory.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult women ≥18 years old * Histologically confirmed diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer (including high- grade serous, endometrioid, mucinous, clear cell, or mesonephric-like histotypes) * Signed informed consent (for prospective cases) or ethically approved waiver (for retrospective samples) Exclusion Criteria: * Refusal to sign informed consent * Diagnosis of low-grade or non-epithelial ovarian tumors * Patients whose clinical or pathological data are unavailable or insufficient for study inclusion
Where this trial is running
Reggio Emilia
- Azienda USL IRCCS di Reggio Emilia — Reggio Emilia, Italy (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Beatrice Melli, MD
- Email: beatrice.melli@ausl.re.it
- Phone: 0522-29577
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.