ABQ Times

The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center (UNM Cancer Center) has been awarded an $11 million federal grant to study treatments and biomarkers for uterine cancers. This grant is part of the Route 66 Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE), which is unique among the 65 National Cancer Institute’s SPORE grants for its focus on uterine cancers.

“I feel a great responsibility,” said Kimberly Leslie, MD, who leads the UNM portion of the grant.

Over the past five decades, survival rates for most types of cancer have improved significantly. However, survival rates for uterine and endometrial cancer have remained constant. “We have a huge increase in the [incidence] rate of these cancers, endometrial cancer in particular,” Leslie noted.

The collaboration involves scientists from UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, Siteman Cancer Center at Washington University in St. Louis, and Stephenson Cancer Center at the University of Oklahoma. The name "Route 66" reflects that all three universities are located along this historic highway.

Two projects under this grant will focus on high-risk uterine cancers caused by DNA mutations. These types are often diagnosed at late stages and are difficult to treat. Scientists at Siteman and Stephenson will lead these efforts.

Leslie’s team at UNM will concentrate on early-stage uterine cancer treatments, particularly those related to rising obesity rates contributing to increased incidences among younger populations in New Mexico. Traditionally treated with hysterectomy, many women may not want this surgical option due to their desire to have families.

“In our populations at the University of New Mexico, we’re seeing disparities,” Leslie said. “We’re seeing younger Hispanic women getting uterine cancer [who] normally would want to have families and not want to undergo hysterectomies.”

A clinical trial under this project will offer non-surgical treatment options using hormonal therapy aimed at preserving fertility. “[We] can reverse approximately 70% of these cancers just with the correct hormone therapy,” Leslie stated.

Andrew Sussman, PhD from UNM Cancer Center will assist in addressing diversity issues during recruitment for this trial in culturally appropriate ways. One goal is identifying biomarkers that predict which women will respond positively to hormone therapy versus those needing immediate surgery.

Leslie’s team includes gynecologic oncologists Carolyn Muller, MD; Sarah Adams, MD; oncology pathologist Edgar Fischer, MD; PhD; and biostatistician Jianrong Wu, PhD. Samples collected from trials across all three institutions will be tested collaboratively with UNM Human Tissue Repository.

Additionally, lifestyle factors such as intensive exercise and diet control may also be explored as non-surgical treatment methods within these trials involving over 100 women collectively across all projects.

“I personally would like to thank all the administration at the UNM Cancer Center for helping us [support this SPORE grant],” Leslie expressed gratitude towards her colleagues' support.

The research reported here was supported by Award Number 1P50CA265793-01A1 from National Institutes of Health's National Cancer Institute (NCI). Principal Investigators include David G Mutch; Doris Mangiaracina Benbrook; Kimberly K Leslie - whose content solely represents authors’ views rather than official NIH stance.

UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center serves as New Mexico's official NCI-designated center within a 500-mile radius offering specialized oncology care through its vast network comprising over 136 board-certified physicians treating diverse cases statewide including nearly two-thirds state patients annually through various clinical trials advancing novel therapies backed robustly via significant funding avenues driving impactful research endeavors training future professionals extensively alongside promoting regional economic growth initiatives via innovative biotech startups fostering holistic community health improvement paradigms.