Sanford researchers has received $792,000 from the American Cancer Society to study biomarkers in ovarian cancer.
Dr. Pilar de la Puente is an associate scientist at Sanford Research and is leading the study research team.
“We are thrilled to be awarded the first American Cancer Society Research Scholar Grant in South Dakota,” said de la Puente. “We will be spending these next four years working on a novel biomarker panel for early detection in ovarian cancer and markers associated with chemotherapy resistance.”
De la Puente’s lab focuses on the role of tumor microenvironment in cancer progression, drug resistance and cancer immunology, according to Sanford. Her lab is also developing personalized 3D models of the tumor microenvironment in order to more accurately mimic interactions. Through these models, they hope to gain a deeper understanding of the role of the tumor microenvironment and their accessory cells for each individual patient.
“The American Cancer Society has invested more than $5 billion in cancer research,” said Andy Link, American Cancer Society associate director for Cancer Centers in Nebraska, Iowa and the Dakotas. “This money goes to incredibly talented organizations and researchers who are doing cutting-edge medical research that will help patients across the country and potentially across the world.”
The American Cancer Society also named de la Puente as a ResearchHER Scholar, an honor recognizing trailblazing women researchers.