Creating a 3D model to study childhood eye cancer
3-Dimensional Retinal Organoid Platform for the Study of Retinoblastoma
This study is working on a new way to grow tiny eye models to learn more about retinoblastoma, the most common eye cancer in kids, so that we can find better and safer treatments for young patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10857171 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a three-dimensional retinal organoid platform to better understand retinoblastoma, the most common eye cancer in children. By using advanced techniques, including CRISPR, the researchers aim to create models that mimic the early stages of this cancer, which could lead to more effective and less toxic treatment options. The study seeks to bridge the knowledge gap regarding the molecular drivers of retinoblastoma progression, which is crucial for developing targeted therapies. This innovative approach aims to provide insights that current animal models cannot offer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who are diagnosed with or at risk for retinoblastoma.
Not a fit: Patients with retinoblastoma who are already in advanced stages of the disease may not benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and less harmful treatments for children with retinoblastoma.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been advancements in cancer modeling, this specific approach using 3D retinal organoids for retinoblastoma is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Coral Gables, United States
- University of Miami School of Medicine — Coral Gables, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pelaez, Daniel — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Pelaez, Daniel
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 below.