Researchers at the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) are advancing a two-pronged approach to combat ovarian cancer, focusing on both novel treatments for drug-resistant disease and early detection methods. An off-patent HIV drug has shown promise in preclinical studies for treatment-resistant ovarian cancer, paving the way for a Phase 1B clinical trial pending funding. Simultaneously, efforts are underway to develop an early-detection blood test to improve diagnostic accuracy and enable earlier intervention.
Repurposing HIV Drug for Ovarian Cancer
Dr. Michelle Wong-Brown and her team, including PhD candidate Bayley Matthews, discovered the potential of an existing HIV drug to combat treatment-resistant ovarian cancer. The drug's mechanism of action in this context remains under investigation, despite three years of research. "Bayley was meant to spend a year trying to figure out why this drug works on treatment-resistant ovarian cancer. It’s been three years and we’re still trying to understand it," says Dr. Wong-Brown.
The proposed Phase 1B clinical trial aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the repurposed drug in approximately 40 patients with treatment-resistant ovarian cancer. The trial has received endorsement from clinicians and consumer advocates, highlighting its potential clinical significance. However, the trial is currently stalled due to a lack of funding. Dr. Wong-Brown estimates that at least $100,000 is needed to initiate the multi-site clinical trial.
Developing an Early-Detection Blood Test
In parallel with the drug repurposing efforts, the HMRI team is developing an early-detection blood test, also known as a liquid biopsy, to identify biomarkers indicative of early-stage ovarian cancer. PhD candidate Sara Atiq is leading this effort, combining datasets from around the world to establish a robust sample size.
The research team aims to develop a sequencing test that can be run on blood samples from patients undergoing surgery for suspected ovarian cancer. The results of the sequencing test will be cross-matched with pathology diagnoses to assess the test's accuracy in detecting ovarian cancer. "We’re trying to see if there are any markers that show up in the early stages of ovarian cancer," says Dr. Wong-Brown.
Four Years of Research
The research, spanning four years, has been supported by $40,000 in pilot funding from HMRI and the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF). The team's work has involved testing drugs on ovarian cancer cells and investigating the role of PARP and gene mutations in treatment-resistant ovarian cancer.
