Overcoming the challenges of ovarian cancer
With expertise in basic research, population science and clinical investigation, our team of investigators is targeting new and better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat ovarian cancer.
Overview
The Mayo Clinic Ovarian Cancer SPORE supports and conducts research aimed at improving the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer and related cancers, including fallopian tube cancer and primary peritoneal cancer.
Our investigators are urgently conducting clinical trials and research to advance scientific understanding about ovarian cancer, which often goes undetected until it has spread within the pelvis and abdomen and is more difficult to treat. Investigators for the Ovarian Cancer SPORE focus their research efforts on three major translational research projects. Within those projects, they are studying DNA topoisomerase I (TOP1) inhibitors, PARP inhibitors, ATR inhibitors, the use of ceritinib for ovarian cancer therapy, and the use of natural killer (NK) cells as an adoptive cellular therapy for cancer in the push to overcome unmet patient needs.
Co-investigators in the SPORE's research projects and cores have expertise in basic research, population science and clinical investigation. The SPORE applies an interdisciplinary approach to meet our objectives for research. Our investigators work together as a team to meet the goals of the SPORE. They also work with investigators from SPOREs and ovarian cancer research groups at other institutions in a collaborative effort to improve therapeutic outcomes for patients.
Four cores support all aspects of our research efforts, including leadership, specimens, statistical collaboration and research models:
The SPORE also includes programs that provide research funding and career development support to investigators, including both new investigators and seasoned investigators who want to redirect their work to ovarian cancer.
Funding
The Ovarian Cancer SPORE is part of the Women's Cancer Program, a formal research program within Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The SPORE is funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), which awarded Mayo Clinic a five-year, $9.3 million grant in September 2021. A SPORE, or Specialized Program of Research Excellence, is the cornerstone of the NCI's efforts to promote collaborative, interdisciplinary translational research.
Principal investigator
The principal investigator for the Mayo Clinic Ovarian Cancer SPORE is Scott H. Kaufmann, M.D., Ph.D.