Researchers have discovered a promising strategy to overcome PARP inhibitor resistance in ovarian cancer, one of the most common barriers to the long-term effectiveness of this widely used treatment. Targeting a signaling pathway activated by the acidic tumor microenvironment restored sensitivity to PARP inhibitors in preclinical models, suggesting a potential new therapeutic strategy for overcoming acquired resistance. The study was led by Rugang Zhang, Ph.D., professor and chair of Experimental Therapeutics, and Kaixin Cheng, Ph.D., postdoctoral fellow in the Rugang Zhang Laboratory.
“PARP inhibitors have transformed treatment for many patients with ovarian cancer, but resistance often limits their long-term effectiveness,” Zhang said. “This study revealed that the tumor microenvironment plays a critical role in driving treatment resistance and suggests a potential strategy for restoring sensitivity to PARP inhibitors and extending their benefit for patients.”