# The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center SPORE in Ovarian Cancer

> **NIH NIH P50** · UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR · 2024 · $2,197,314

## Abstract

The overall goal of the MD Anderson Cancer Center SPORE in Ovarian Cancer is to test and translate novel
therapeutic strategies, including those to overcome adaptive resistance to conventional cytotoxic
chemotherapy, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi), anti-angiogenic agents (bevacizumab)
and immune checkpoint blockade. Over the last five years, 1,417 new patients with ovarian cancer received
care at MD Anderson. We have prioritized ovarian cancer research through recruitment, salary support,
clinical facilities, laboratory space, and philanthropic funds. Philanthropic support from the MD Anderson
Ovarian Cancer Moon Shot has provided organization and infrastructure, but the work in the SPORE is
completely distinct. We successfully implemented measures to increase the recruitment of women and
underrepresented minorities to our Developmental Research Program (DRP) and Career Enhancement
Program (CEP). Over the last 22 years, our SPORE investigators have contributed over 1280 manuscripts
regarding ovarian cancer with 155 in the last four years. Our SPORE has made significant contributions
including: 1) conducted the SPORE and EDRN-supported Normal Risk Ovarian Screening Study (NROSS)
where 71% of cases have been detected in stage I or II; 2) identified biomarkers that detect 18% of CA125
negative cases; 3) developed a 4-biomarker algorithm that in retrospect detects advanced stage disease
1.4 to 4.8 years earlier than the CA125-based NROSS algorithm; 4) found anti-TP53 autoantibodies
elevated 8 months before CA125 and 22 months before diagnosis; 5) observed a 54% objective response
rate to anti-angiogenic therapy with aflibercept and docetaxel; 6) completed a trial targeting Dll4; 7)
demonstrated that CSF1R inhibitors can deplete macrophages and reduce resistance to anti-VEGF
therapy; 8) demonstrated significant activity of the MEK inhibitor selumetinib in low-grade ovarian cancers
and completed an international phase III trial of another potent MEK inhibitor trametinib; and 9) developed
a robust biomarker panel that predicts response to PARPi and initiation of multiple trials combining PI3K
and PARPi in high-grade ovarian cancer. In the proposed SPORE, Project 1 and Project 4 investigators
tackle therapeutic resistance to PARP inhibitors and immune checkpoint blockers from multiple directions
to speed progress and improve outcomes for women with ovarian cancer. Both projects have the potential
to enhance T-cell infiltration in tumors and impart immunologic memory, which is particularly important given
the likelihood of this cancer to recur. In Project 2, we will develop a novel TROP2-targeted CAR-NK therapy.
In Project 3, we will develop therapy aimed at the tumor microenvironment using a novel EGFL6 targeted
monoclonal antibody. Overall, our translational studies conducted in an optimal environment with a multi-
institutional team are directed toward improving clinical outcomes of women with ovarian cancer.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10931353
- **Project number:** 5P50CA281701-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** ROBERT C BAST
- **Activity code:** P50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $2,197,314
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-09-19 → 2028-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10931353

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10931353, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center SPORE in Ovarian Cancer (5P50CA281701-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10931353. Licensed CC0.

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