The Thiel Lab's overarching goal is to make a difference in the care of patients with gynecologic cancer. We strive to integrate with clinicians to understand the current gaps in treating patients. Our research spans basic and translational studies of uterine (endometrial) and ovarian cancer to deliver personalized and precision treatments to each individual patient.
Next generation progestin therapy for endometrial cancer:
This project focuses on hormone therapy as a safer and more effective treatment option for patients with early stage/grade endometrial cancer. The typical treatment is hysterectomy to remove the uterus and ovaries, but this approach prevents future fertility in younger patients and may not be desirable for patients with multiple comorbidities. This project is led by Kaitriana Powell-Smith, a PhD student in Cancer Biology and funded by a Department of Defense Translational Team Science Award (Kim Leslie, Jay Gertz and Kristi Thiel, MPIs).
Targeting deleterious p53 mutations in gynecologic cancer:
We are developing novel RNA biodrugs, termed aptamers, to perturb the activity of p53 mutant proteins and restore chemosensitivity. This project is highly translational given that p53 mutations predominate in the most aggressive types of ovarian and endometrial cancer. Studies are led by Emily Symons, a postbaccalaureate scholar in the Thiel lab, and funded by an NCI K22 Transition Career Development Award (Thiel, PI).
Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center
National Cancer Institute
