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

Award Number: P50CA281701
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/19/2023
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/02/2025

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The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center SPORE in Ovarian Cancer - 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 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.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $0 )
2026	2025	THE UNIVERISTY OF TEXAS M.D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER	1515 HOLCOMBE BLVD	HOUSTON	TX	77030	HARRIS	USA	Cancer Centers Support Grants	000	3	11/19/2025	SUPPLEMENT FOR EXPANSION	$0
														Subtotal = $0

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $2,170,372 )
2025	2025	THE UNIVERISTY OF TEXAS M.D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER	1515 HOLCOMBE BLVD	HOUSTON	TX	77030	HARRIS	USA	Cancer Centers Support Grants	000	3	9/9/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$1,993,287
2025	2025	THE UNIVERISTY OF TEXAS M.D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER	1515 HOLCOMBE BLVD	HOUSTON	TX	77030	HARRIS	USA	Cancer Centers Support Grants	001	3	9/16/2025	SUPPLEMENT FOR EXPANSION	$177,085
														Subtotal = $2,170,372

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $2,578,771 )
2024	2024	THE UNIVERISTY OF TEXAS MD ANDERSON CANCER CENTER, A COMPONENT OF THE UNIVERISTY OF TEXAS SYSTEM	1515 HOLCOMBE BLVD	HOUSTON	TX	77030	HARRIS	USA	Cancer Centers Support Grants	001	2	9/10/2024	SUPPLEMENT FOR EXPANSION	$177,085
2024	2024	THE UNIVERISTY OF TEXAS MD ANDERSON CANCER CENTER, A COMPONENT OF THE UNIVERISTY OF TEXAS SYSTEM	1515 HOLCOMBE BLVD	HOUSTON	TX	77030	HARRIS	USA	Cancer Centers Support Grants	000	2	7/31/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$2,197,314
2024	2024	THE UNIVERISTY OF TEXAS MD ANDERSON CANCER CENTER, A COMPONENT OF THE UNIVERISTY OF TEXAS SYSTEM	1515 HOLCOMBE BLVD	HOUSTON	TX	77030	HARRIS	USA	Cancer Centers Support Grants	002	2	9/11/2024	SUPPLEMENT FOR EXPANSION	$204,372
														Subtotal = $2,578,771

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $2,144,148 )
2023	2023	UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS M. D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER, THE	1515 HOLCOMBE BLVD	HOUSTON	TX	77030	HARRIS	USA	Cancer Centers Support Grants	000	1	9/19/2023	NEW	$2,144,148
														Subtotal = $2,144,148

Grand Total All Awards = $6,893,291

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

Award Number: P50CA281701

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/19/2023

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/02/2025

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