# Cancer cell selective killing nanoparticle for advanced ovarian cancer treatment

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AT COLUMBIA · 2024 · $321,581

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer-related deaths in women and results in more deaths
than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. The primary reason for the high death rate of ovarian
cancer is multidrug-resistance. Since conventional anticancer drugs cannot kill drug-resistant cells while causing
systemic toxicity to deteriorate patient health condition, a novel effective and safe treatment for ovarian cancer
is urgently needed. Our preliminary study has discovered a novel polymer-metal combination which uniquely
induces a lysosomal copper elevation initiated intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Consequently, this combination is
highly selectively in killing cancer cells, including drug-resistant ovarian cancer cells, while not
damaging healthy cells. The objective of this research is to develop a polymer-metal nano-complex (PMC) for
safe and effective ovarian cancer therapy through a cancer cell selective apoptosis mechanism. Our project has
three specific aims. In Aim 1, we will identify the mechanism of cancer cell killing effect of PMC. Aim 2 will identify
the cancer selective killing mechanism of PMC and optimize its formulation to achieve the highest selectivity for
cancer cells. Aim 3 will investigate the pharmacokinetic properties, examine the biodistribution of PMC, and
evaluate its tumor growth inhibitory effect, immune response, and systemic toxicity. In summary, the unique
anticancer mechanism of PMC and its simple formulation will provide clinicians a safe and effective tool to control
advanced ovarian cancer and benefit ovarian cancer patients.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10894936
- **Project number:** 5R01CA263747-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AT COLUMBIA
- **Principal Investigator:** Peisheng Xu
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $321,581
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2022-08-09 → 2027-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10894936

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10894936, Cancer cell selective killing nanoparticle for advanced ovarian cancer treatment (5R01CA263747-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10894936. Licensed CC0.

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