Better treatments for children with brain tumors using molecular testing and targeted medicines
Official title: Pediatric brain tumors: Improving survival through integration of clinical molecular diagnostics and biologically targeted therapies into clinical trials
Funded at Seattle Children's Hospital · NIH-11302671 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work uses tumor genetic testing to match children with brain tumors to targeted medicines aimed at helping them live longer with fewer long-term side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Seattle Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | March 21, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $175,338 |
| NIH project number | 5R50CA275857-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11302671 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children diagnosed with central nervous system (brain) tumors who can provide tumor samples and are eligible for pediatric oncology clinical trials at participating centers.
✕Less likely to help
Children without a targetable molecular change, those who are not eligible for or cannot access participating trial centers, and adults are less likely to benefit directly from this work.
What this research studies
From a family's point of view, doctors will use molecular testing of a child's tumor to find biological targets and then try medicines that specifically attack those targets. The team runs these approaches through national pediatric trial networks and shares genomic and trial data across centers via the INSPiRE consortium to speed progress. At Seattle Children's, investigators collect tumor samples, help match children to appropriate trials, and lead efforts to bring biologically targeted therapies into clinical practice. The overall aim is to improve survival while reducing the toxic effects of conventional treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to more effective, less toxic treatments tailored to the biology of each child's brain tumor.
How similar studies have gone: Some precision oncology trials have helped children with certain tumor subtypes, but many targeted approaches for pediatric brain tumors are still experimental and being tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Seattle Children's Hospital
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leary, Sarah Elisabeth Sherr — Seattle Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Leary, Sarah Elisabeth Sherr
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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.