2024/25 OGGS Recipient | Natasha Bruce
The Obstetrics and Gynaecology Graduate Research Scholarships (OGGS) encourage and recognize excellence in research at the graduate level within the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University.
Congratulations to Natasha Bruce, an MSc candidate from Dr. Trevor Shepard’s laboratory who is the winner of the 2024/2025 Obstetrics and Gynaecology Graduate Scholarship (OGGS).
The title of her proposal is Evaluation of novel LKB1 inhibitors as new therapeutics against ovarian cancer metastasis.
When asked about how she feels with this win, Dr. Natash Bruce,had this to say,
"I am honored to receive the 2024 Department of Ob/Gyn Graduate Scholarship (OGGS)! Under the supervision of Dr. Trevor Shepherd, my research focuses on developing novel LKB1 inhibitors as potential therapies for ovarian cancer metastasis. Since ovarian cancer is often diagnosed late and becomes resistant to chemotherapy, treatment is challenging. In collaboration with the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, I am testing drug compounds that block LKB1, a key molecule in ovarian cancer cell survival and spread. The aim is to combine these inhibitors with chemotherapy to improve outcomes for women with this disease."
A lay summary of her project can be found here:
Evaluation of novel LKB1 inhibitors as new therapeutics against ovarian cancer metastasis Ovarian cancer is a devastating disease since in many cases a woman would be diagnosed after the disease has already spread, making it very hard to treat. On top of that, ovarian cancer becomes resistant to chemotherapy, after which time it is almost impossible to treat. Our ovarian cancer research is trying to understand how the disease spreads and to develop better ways to kill cancer cells and reduce the chance for resistance. We have discovered a molecule called LKB1 that controls how ovarian cancer responds to stress during spread of disease. We have shown in many experiments that LKB1 is required for ovarian cancer cells to survive, spread, and form new tumours. Working with scientists at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research in Toronto, we have embarked on making new drug compounds that can attach to LKB1 and block its ability to work in ovarian cancer cells. My project will be to test these new drug compounds using ovarian cancer cells, and samples taken directly from patients, to see whether we can block LKB1 and more effectively kill ovarian cancer. Our goal is to eventually test these new anti-cancer drugs against LKB1 in combination with the chemotherapy used to treat ovarian cancer to improve outcomes for women with this devastating disease.
Congratulations again to Natasha Bruce and her supervisor, Dr. Trevor Shepard!
We are looking forward to your presentation of your research activities at the 2024 Annual Paul Harding Research Awards Day.
