$10 Million University of Iowa Grant Targets Alarming Cancer Rate
Iowa has one of the fastest-growing cancer rates in the entire U.S. and that is according to the Iowa Cancer Registry
Why Does Iowa Have Such A High Cancer Rate?
Many factors are attributed to Iowa's high cancer rate, such as a large agricultural presence, potentially leading to exposure to pesticides and other farm chemicals, high rates of tobacco use, elevated radon exposure across the state, and a concerning level of alcohol consumption. The cancer rate is on the rise and does not show signs of slowing.
What Does the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) do?
The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) is an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services focused on accelerating health innovation and research. Established in response to the need for transformative approaches in health care, ARPA-H aims to support high-risk, high-reward projects that can lead to breakthroughs in various health challenges.
The University of Iowa has just announced that they have received a major grant from The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health. The $10 million grant will fund the research over two years, with most of the money going to the University of Iowa and a portion to the University of Kentucky.
What is Being Done to Help Iowans and Others Lower Their Cancer Risk?
The focus is on ovarian cancer which is particularly deadly, with limited effective treatments and no early detection methods. The project aims to develop a new therapy that specifically targets cancer cells, minimizing harm to healthy cells.
The research, Says The U of I, will utilize extracellular vesicles (MEVs), which are tiny sacs released by cells. These MEVs can be engineered to alter immune responses, turning macrophages (a type of white blood cell) from supporting cancer growth to fighting it. This financial support is crucial for developing and refining this promising treatment.
What is the Potential Impact?
If successful, this research could lead to significant advancements in ovarian cancer treatment, offering hope to many women who currently have limited options and facing high recurrence rates. Overall, this initiative represents a major step forward in cancer research, particularly for a disease that has historically been challenging to treat.
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