Project Title: Capitalizing the presence of MAPK pathway alterations in low-grade serous ovarian cancer with next-generation direct pan-KRAS inhibitors
Research Institute: University of Pennsylvania
Principal Investigators: Dr. Dimitrios Nasioudis, MD, and Dr. Fiona Simpkins, MD
Award Amount:  $150,000
Funded by: STAAR Ovarian Cancer Foundation
 
STAAR Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer has awarded $150,000 to a laboratory research study at the University of Pennsylvania for a potential new treatment for low-grade serous ovarian cancer.
 
About half of patients with low-grade serous ovarian cancer have a KRAS genetic mutation that activates what’s known as the RAS/RAF/MAPK pathway. While MEK inhibitors such as trametinib can be effective against this cancer, treatment resistance often occurs.
 
While there already are drugs in development that target specific KRAS mutations, Dr. Dimitrios Nasioudis and his team have identified a new pan-KRAS inhibitor that already has been shown to be effective against LGSOC cell lines.
 
This laboratory study will test the pan-KRAS inhibitor alone and in combination with an estrogen blocker or MEK inhibitor on additional cell lines as well as in organoids and in vivo.
 
“The prognosis of patients with advanced or recurrent LGSOC is poor and patients have limited treatment options,” said Dr. Nasioudis, Assistant Professor of Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania. “Our proposal is designed to capitalize on the unique genomic pathway alterations and hormone receptor expression profile for LGSOC with the goal to bring new effective treatment options into the clinic.”
 
STAAR Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer’s mission is to fund research into potential new treatments for this rare, persistent disease. As the first U.S.-based organization dedicated to LGSOC, we’re working to fill the gap in research funding and drive advancements that will lead to better diagnostic tools, novel therapies, and ultimately, a cure.