Bin Zhang, MD, PhD
Northwestern University
Treating ovarian cancer with novel ecto-5’nucleotidase (CD73) inhibitors
Tumors have elaborate suppressive mechanisms against host immune system to enhance their survival. Ovarian tumors highly express a protein called CD73 that limits anti-tumor immune response in order to promote tumor growth. Dr. Zhang‘s recent research demonstrates that CD73 may serve as an emerging immune target for ovarian cancer treatment. In this project, he will evaluate the efficacy of CD73 blockade with an FDA-approved drug as a novel means to enhance ovarian cancer immunotherapy. He hopes open the door for the rapid translation of these preclinical findings into the clinic for effective ovarian cancer treatment.