Karmanos is pleased to congratulate Radhika Gogoi, M.D., Ph.D., member of the Gynecologic Oncology Multidisciplinary Team at Karmanos for securing a Geri Fournier Ovarian Cancer Research Grant in the amount of $50,000. The annual award is given by The Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance to recognize and provide funding for the critical research happening in the state.
Dr. Gogoi received the grant award for a research project that aims to identify differences between BRCA1 and BRCA2 proteins that may lead to more effective targeted treatments. Currently, treatment with PARP inhibitors does not differentiate between BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutated tumors. (PARP inhibitors are cancer drugs that help repair DNA when it becomes damaged. In cancer treatment, blocking PARP may help keep cancer cells from repairing their damaged DNA, causing them to die.) However, preliminary data suggests that there are molecular differences that contribute to varied treatment responses. Dr. Gogoi’s research aims to identify unique gene targets, biomarkers, and potential new therapeutic combinatorial approaches to provide better treatment options for patients with BRCA 1 and 2, the most common cause of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.
Congratulations, Dr. Gogoi!