Anil Sood, MD, leads as professor and vice chair of translational research in the Departments of Cancer Biology and Gynecologic Oncology at the MD Anderson Cancer Center. In addition, Dr. Anil Sood directs the Blanton-Davis Ovarian Cancer Research Program and is co-leader of the Ovarian Cancer Moon Shot Program.In the spring of 2018, researchers from Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center reported the identification of a mutant protein linked to the growth of ovarian cancer. The mutated protein, p53-R175H, develops from the normal p53 gene that breaks down quickly within healthy cells. The mutated version, however, forms stable protein clusters that are both carcinogenic and prone to drug resistance.Data has shown that removal of the p53-R175H mutated protein from cancer cells can instigate the cell death process and improve the cell's responsiveness to chemotherapy. However, researchers needed a way to accomplish this end without reducing levels of the healthy protein, as doing so can also lead to the development of cancer.The research team found their answer in the molecule MCB613, which had proven effective in treating ovarian cancer in mice. The team discovered that the molecule reduced the levels of the mutant protein but not the healthy version, as it acted directly on the protein itself. They further found that the mutant protein had a higher level of sensitivity to ovarian steroids, a discovery that may provide a pathway toward two-fold treatment.
Accomplished in gynecologic oncology and cancer research, Dr. Anil Sood brings more than 20 years of experience as a professor at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Outside of his professional life, Dr. Anil Sood supports nonprofit organizations related to women’s health care such as Ovarcome. Founded by Runsi Sen, who lost her mother to ovarian cancer, Ovarcome is a registered nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women from underserved communities with ovarian cancer. Ovarcome has expanded from its Houston headquarters to become an international organization that assists women throughout the United States and in developing countries around the world.To better fulfill its mission, Ovarcome offers help to women with ovarian cancer who are in need of material support through OvarCare, the organization’s patient assistance program. OvarCare recipients receive a care package that includes hundreds of dollars in gift cards for gas and groceries, as well as an unrestricted $200 grant. The package also includes an optional consultation with health experts and an optional gift certificate to a cancer-focused wellness boutique.Ovarcome has partnered with multiple hospitals to coordinate the OvarCare program. Women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, are in active treatment, and meet financial eligibility guidelines may be eligible for assistance.
Since 2002, Anil Sood has held various positions at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, including his present role as co-director of the Ovarian Cancer Moon Shot. Moreover, Anil Sood supports the non-profit organization, Ovarcome.Established to help underprivileged women with ovarian cancer, Ovarcome offers them treatment options and support. The organization also funds research for cures and seeks to raise worldwide awareness. As part of its efforts to raise awareness, Ovarcome named September 23 Global Teal Talk Day. This annual event encourages everyone to wear teal and engage in the Teal Talk: the discussion of ovarian cancer, including its symptoms, early detection, and family history. Those posting on social media about the event can use the hashtag, #TealTalkDay.Teal Talk Day promotes the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer, which is especially important as no reliable screening is currently available. Moreover, it honors the struggles of those who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. For more information about Ovarcome and its efforts to raise awareness through Teal Talk Day, visit www.ovarcome.org.
