Gen Sheng Wu Receives Grant to Research Improved Treatments for Ovarian Cancer

Introduction

Gen Sheng Wu, Ph.D., a professor of Oncology at the Wayne State University School of Medicine and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, has recently received a grant from the Department of Defense’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs. The grant of $924,000 will go towards his study of “Targeting Dual-Specificity Phosphatase 1 in Platinum Resistance in Ovarian Cancer”. Dr. Wu aims to discover improved treatments for ovarian cancer, which is one of the deadliest diseases. This article will dive deep into Dr. Wu’s research, the challenges his team plans to address, and how it will benefit patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

The Challenge of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a deadly disease that is difficult to diagnose early. Most cases are found in the late stages, with only a 30% survival rate after surgery. The only primary treatment after surgery is chemotherapy, but patients develop resistance to it very quickly. This is a major problem with ovarian cancer and is the field’s major challenge. The challenge that Dr. Wu’s research will address is the elimination of drug-resistant ovarian cancer cells using new treatment regimens.

Dual-Specificity Phosphatase-1 and Platinum Resistance

Dr. Wu and his team have identified a resistance mechanism that involves a protein called dual-specificity phosphatase-1 (DUSP1). This protein plays a role in platinum resistance, which is the standard first-line chemotherapy for most patients with ovarian cancer. The goal of this research is to shut down MAPK signaling to promote cancer cell survival, which could improve the efficacy of platinum-based therapies. Almost all patients receiving platinum eventually relapse and die from metastatic disease, mainly due to primary and acquired resistance to the treatment. By studying how the reaction works and how implementing it may increase survival and remission rates, Dr. Wu aims to make a lifesaving difference for patients in local communities and beyond.

Grant’s Importance and its Potential Impact

The grant from the Department of Defense Ovarian Cancer Research Program is an important source of funding for Dr. Wu and his research team. Ezemenari Obasi, Ph.D., the vice president for research at Wayne State University, said, “Dr. Wu’s work has the potential to make a lifesaving difference for patients in our community and beyond.” The research has been assigned the grant number HT9425-24-1-0694. It is hoped that this grant will enable Dr. Wu and his team to make a significant contribution to improving the quality of life of ovarian cancer patients and their families.

Wayne State University’s Prosperity Agenda

Wayne State University’s Prosperity Agenda seeks to promote health for the urban neighborhoods it serves. Dr. Wu’s work aligns with this agenda, and the grant will help him and his team in their efforts to address the critical challenge posed by ovarian cancer. This important funding will support a deep dive into the biological mechanisms of ovarian cancer, identifying the proteins that allow ovarian cancer cells to resist platinum-based chemotherapy, and potentially treating the root cause of the problem. The study will contribute to the current knowledge base, paving the way for the development of future therapies.

Conclusion

Ovarian cancer demands our attention because of its high mortality rate and the severe impact it has on women’s lives. Dr. Wu and his research team have taken an important step towards improving the outcomes of ovarian cancer patients. By studying dual-specificity phosphatase-1 and platinum resistance, they hope to develop new treatments that will improve the survival and remission rates of patients with ovarian cancer. This research has the potential to make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by this devastating disease.

Originally Post From https://today.wayne.edu/medicine/news/2024/07/08/detroit-researchers-receive-department-of-defense-grant-to-assist-in-discovering-new-treatments-for-ovarian-cancer-63061

Detroit Researchers Receive Department of Defense Grant to Assist in Discovering New…