MUC16 Juxtamembrane Domain-Binding Peptides for Imaging and Therapy of Ovarian Cancer
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological cancer, usually diagnosed at an advanced stage with poor survival. The lack of effective therapies for advanced ovarian cancer is an important barrier to improving women’s health. A key protein that is expressed in the majority of ovarian cancer is called MUC16. A portion of MUC16, called CA-125, is released into the blood stream and is detected by a blood test commonly used to detect and monitor ovarian cancer. Previous attempts to target MUC16 for therapy have failed to produce positive results because they directed the drugs to CA-125. As a result, the CA-125 in the blood would capture the drug before it reaches the tumor. This proposal, in contrast, will instead target the portion of MUC16 that remains with the tumor after CA-125 is released. We will generate targeting agents that will home to the tumor without interacting with components in the blood stream. These agents will be attached to two radioactive substances that will be used to (1) treat the tumor directly and (2) verify that the therapy is working and detect any residual disease by PET imaging. This proposal will directly address the lack of effective therapies for advanced ovarian cancer by providing a new targeted therapy and the methods to monitor its use. Using the same targeting agent for both imaging and therapy, commonly referred to as theranostics, would represent a paradigm shift away from the chemotherapeutics commonly used today. Targeting the drugs directly to the tumor will reduce side effects, while still being effective against the tumor. Since MUC16 is present in the majority of ovarian cancers, these strategies will be relevant for nearly all women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. In addition, up to 30% of women with non-gynecological cancers also have MUC16. Taken together, this project represents an improvement in treatment options and survival for a large proportion of the women who will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 28, 2022
- Source ID
- W81XWH2210206
Entities
People
- Steven W Millward
Organizations
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
- United States Army