SPORE in Endometrial Cancer
Principal Investigators: David Mutch, M.D., Washington University in St. Louis; Doris Benbrook, PhD, University of Oklahoma; and, Kimberly Leslie, M.D., University of New Mexico
The Route 66 Endometrial Cancer Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE) brings together interactive research teams from several institutions to create a dynamic translational research program aimed at developing and testing new strategies to prevent and treat endometrial cancer. The Route 66 Endometrial Cancer SPORE includes three translational research projects:
Project 1: Targeting HSPA Proteins in Advanced and Recurrent Endometrial Cancer Therapy
- Clinical Co-Leader: Kathleen Moore, M.D., University of Oklahoma
- Basic Co-Leader: Doris Benbrook, PhD, University of Oklahoma
The outcome is anticipated to identify biomarkers predictive of which patients will most likely benefit from SHetA2-based therapies, and provide justification and data for development of a randomized Phase 3 trial of a SHetA2 combination anticipated to have an improved therapeutic window over current therapy.
Project 2: Inhibiting AXL to Improve Treatment Response in Endometrial Cancer
- Clinical Co-Leaders: David Mutch, M.D. and Matthew Powell, M.D., Washington University in St. Louis
- Basic Co-Leader: Katherine Fuh, M.D., PhD, University of California San Francisco
The outcome is anticipated to identify biomarkers predictive of which patients will most likely benefit from SHetA2-based therapies, and provide justification and data for development of a randomized Phase 3 trial of a SHetA2 combination anticipated to have an improved therapeutic window over current therapy.
Project 3: Primary Prevention and Uterine Preservation in Premenopausal Women with Obesity and Endometrial Hyperplasia/Cancer
- Clinical Co-Leader: Andrea Hagemann, M.D., Washington University in St. Louis
- Basic Co-Leader: Kimberly Leslie, M.D., University of New Mexico
Our aim is to determine the efficacy of progestin plus a behavioral weight loss intervention to allow uterine preservation and cancer prevention in premenopausal women with AEH or grade 1 endometrial cancer. Our exploratory aim is to identify biomarkers that reflect response to progestin plus weight loss. If this project identifies effective strategies, they can be widely implemented to allow premenopausal women with AEH or grade 1 endometrial cancer to both avoid cancer and preserve their uterus for future fertility.
More Resources
These projects are supported by three shared resources: an administrative core; a biostatistics and bioinformatics core; and, a biospecimens, metabolomics, and pathology core. This SPORE also supports a Career Enhancement Program to recruit and mentor new investigators in translational endometrial cancer research and a Developmental Research Program to support innovative translational concepts.
Contact
For additional information about the Route 66 Endometrial Cancer SPORE, contact Doris Benbrook, PhD, (Doris-Benbrook@ouhsc.edu), David Mutch, M.D., (mutchd@wustl.edu), or Linda Odibo, RN, MN, SPORE Administrator (odibol@wustl.edu).
