Detecting DICER1 in pediatric lung cancer
Official title: Detecting DICER1: A global partnership to cure pediatric lung cancer
Funded at Children's Hospitals and Clinics · NIH-11129327 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to improve monitoring and treatment decisions for children with pleuropulmonary blastoma by using a blood test to track DICER1-related tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hospitals and Clinics NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $432,405 |
| NIH project number | 4R37CA244940-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11129327 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children diagnosed with pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) or at risk due to DICER1 alterations, and their families.
✕Less likely to help
Children without PPB or without DICER1-related risk may not benefit from this testing approach.
What this research studies
This project centers on a rare child’s lung cancer linked to DICER1 gene changes. It combines a blood-based ctDNA assay with clinical care to help decide who needs more intensive therapy versus observation. Working with an international registry, the team aims to refine risk groups and tailor treatment for Type I–III PPB. The effort could help doctors monitor disease more precisely and reduce unnecessary side effects for young patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to better, personalized monitoring and treatment plans for children with PPB, potentially improving survival and reducing side effects.
How similar studies have gone: The project builds on the PPB registry and a newly developed ctDNA blood test, with prior signals of usefulness in monitoring DICER1-related tumors.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Hospitals and Clinics
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schultz, Kris Ann Pinekenstein — Children's Hospitals and Clinics
- Study coordinator: Schultz, Kris Ann Pinekenstein
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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.