Development and Evaluation of Novel Curcumin Analogues for the Treatment of Gynaecological Cancers

This project aims to improve outcomes for women in Wales diagnosed with gynaecological cancers, including ovarian, endometrial, cervical, vulval, and vaginal cancers, which have some of the poorest survival rates in the UK. Current therapies often have limited effectiveness and severe side effects. Developing novel curcumin analogues that are more stable, better absorbed, and more potent against cancer cells could directly benefit Welsh patients by enhancing treatment efficacy and reducing toxicity before wider application elsewhere in the UK.

This project will develop and evaluate novel curcumin analogues with enhanced bioactivity and bioavailability as adjunct or stand-alone therapies for gynaecological cancers. Preclinical testing in Welsh models ensures optimisation for local patient populations, strengthens translational pipelines within NHS Wales, and addresses disparities in treatment access and survival, aligning with Cancer Research Wales priorities for innovative, mechanism-driven cancer therapies. In the longer term, it supports Wales-led innovation in cancer therapeutics and ensures local patients benefit first from cutting-edge research.