# MD Anderson Gynecologic SPORE for Uterine Cancers

> **NIH NIH P50** · UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR · 2020 · $214,963

## Abstract

Overall SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The overall goal of the Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer SPORE at MD Anderson Cancer Center is to conduct
highly innovative translational research for the prevention and treatment of endometrial cancer. Encompassed
within this broad overall goal are the following more specific goals: 1) develop novel therapeutic strategies for
advanced/recurrent endometrial cancer and aggressive subtypes; 2) promote novel strategies for unmet
clinical needs in prevention and conservative therapy of high-risk precancerous lesions and low grade
endometrial cancer; 3) incorporate molecular diagnostics into clinical decision-making; and 4) recruit and
support new investigators in endometrial cancer research through the Career Enhancement and
Developmental Research Programs. Over the last 5 years, our SPORE has led the field with a highly
productive translational research team that has helped to define the clinical and molecular heterogeneity of
endometrial cancer. This proposal includes 4 translational research projects addressing scientific problems
that span the breadth of endometrial cancer heterogeneity in an effort to impact as many patients as possible.
Project 1, “Novel Targeted Strategies for Prevention and Conservative Management of Complex Atypical
Hyperplasia and Grade 1 Endometrioid Endometrial Cancer,” includes a phase II trial using the mTOR inhibitor
everolimus to improve standard conservative therapy (progestin-eluting intrauterine device) and is paired with
innovative molecular profiling and pharmacologic approaches to further advance conservative treatment
options. Project 2, “CTNNB1 Mutation and Wnt Pathway Activation Define Clinically Aggressive Endometrioid
Endometrial Carcinoma,” focuses on targeted therapeutics and molecular mechanisms underlying a clinically
aggressive subtype of endometrioid endometrial cancer that is driven through beta-catenin mutation and
downstream Wnt pathway activation. Project 3, “EphA2 Targeting in Uterine Carcinoma,” focuses on the
therapeutic target, EphA2. EphA2 is overexpressed especially in higher grade endometrioid carcinomas and in
serous carcinoma and is associated with poor overall survival. A phase I clinical trial will evaluate the efficacy
and toxicity of a novel therapeutic (EPHARNA) that targets EphA2 by delivering short interfering RNA into
tumor cells via a neutral liposome nanovehicle. This therapeutic was developed by Project 3 investigators.
Project 4, “A Framework for Identification of Novel Targeted Therapy Combinations in Endometrial Cancer,”
will evaluate tumor molecular changes from samples procured during a combinatorial trial of PARP and PI3K
pathway targeted therapy to identify biomarkers of benefit for patients with endometrial cancer. This is paired
with implementing a platform to evaluate mechanisms responsible for adaptive resistance to targeted therapies
in order to enable a rational design of improved combination therapies. Four Cores will support these projects-
A...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10249382
- **Project number:** 3P50CA098258-15S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** RUSSELL R BROADDUS
- **Activity code:** P50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $214,963
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2003-09-01 → 2022-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10249382

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10249382, MD Anderson Gynecologic SPORE for Uterine Cancers (3P50CA098258-15S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10249382. Licensed CC0.

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