Immunological markers investigation in the plasma of patients with advanced-stage ovarian cancer

• Grant number: 25/21848-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2025
• End date: October 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Immunogenetics
• Principal Investigator: Kenneth John Gollob
• Grantee: Gabriela Diniz Vasconcellos Guerra
• Host Institution: Instituto Israelita de Ensino e Pesquisa Albert Einstein (IIEPAE). Sociedade Beneficente Israelita Brasileira Albert Einstein (SBIBAE). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Company: Sociedade Beneficente Israelita Brasileira Albert Einstein (SBIBAE). Instituto Israelita de Ensino e Pesquisa Albert Einstein (IIEPAE)
• Associated research grant: 21/00408-6 - Center for Research in Immuno-Oncology (CRIO), AP.PCPE

Abstract

Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecological neoplasm and is associated with high mortality rates, largely due to late detection, since early stages are often asymptomatic. Although several treatments are currently available, a considerable proportion of patients do not respond adequately to immunotherapies, highlighting the need for more effective strategies. In this context, the analysis of the soluble immune profile in plasma emerges as a promising tool to characterize systemic immune status and identify potential biomarkers. Comparing the profiles of responder and non-responder patients will enable the identification of biomarkers associated with prognosis and recurrence. In this prospective cohort study, plasma samples from 20 patients undergoing systemic treatment (chemotherapy or targeted therapy), either as monotherapy or in combination with other approaches, including surgery, will be collected. Accordingly, the characterization of the soluble immune profile through multiplex immunoassay based on Luminex® technology will support the comparison of responder and non-responder profiles. Ultimately, the findings of this study may contribute to the development of more accurate prognostic strategies and foster advances in precision immuno-oncology, aiming at more effective and personalized therapies for this patient population. (AU)