Advancing RAS-targeted therapy in NF1-associated nerve tumor – SHP2 and CDK4/6 inhibitors
Official title: Advancing RAS pathway targeted therapy in NF1-MPNST: effects of SHP2 and CDK4/6 inhibitors on the tumor and the tumor immune microenvironment
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11332584 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores new drug combinations to treat malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) in patients with NF1-related cancer by testing SHP2 and CDK4/6 inhibitors and how they affect tumors and surrounding immune cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | June 12, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $616,173 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA269625-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11332584 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, particularly those with NF1-related pathology, may benefit from future clinical testing of these combinations.
✕Less likely to help
The study is conducted in preclinical models; results may not yet translate to all patients or all tumor subtypes.
What this research studies
Researchers at Johns Hopkins will study how blocking RAS signaling with SHP2 and CDK4/6 inhibitors impacts MPNST tumor cells and the tumor immune environment in mouse models. They aim to uncover why tumors become resistant to SHP2 inhibitors and identify combination strategies that overcome this resistance. The project will examine changes in immune cells within the tumor to understand how therapies might boost the body’s own defenses against cancer. Findings could guide future clinical trials to improve survival for patients with this aggressive cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to more effective treatment combinations that extend survival and improve quality of life for people with MPNST.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows that targeting RAS pathways can impact tumor growth, but effectiveness often depends on combination strategies and tumor immune interactions.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pratilas, Christine Anne — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Pratilas, Christine Anne
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.