Developing a new mouse model for a rare type of uterine cancer
Official title: A novel uterine leiomyosarcoma mouse model for therapeutic development
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11010400 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating special mice that have a type of uterine cancer called leiomyosarcoma, so researchers can learn more about the disease and find better treatments for people who have it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | January 11, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $189,338 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA273661-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11010400 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with uterine leiomyosarcoma or those at high risk for developing this rare cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of uterine cancers or those without a diagnosis of uterine leiomyosarcoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a mouse model that mimics uterine leiomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer of the uterus. By genetically modifying mice to replicate specific mutations found in human cases, the researchers aim to better understand the disease and test new treatment strategies. This model will help bridge the gap between laboratory findings and clinical applications, ultimately supporting the development of effective therapies for patients. The study addresses the urgent need for preclinical models that can facilitate clinical trial readiness for this challenging cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for women diagnosed with uterine leiomyosarcoma.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on other cancer models, this specific approach to uterine leiomyosarcoma is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wong, Kwong Kwok — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Wong, Kwong Kwok
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Leiomyosarcoma treatment insights from tumor genetics
A study looks at how tumor genetics relate to how leiomyosarcoma patients respond to standard systemic therapies.
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Genomic vulnerabilities in leiomyosarcoma: targeting DNA-PK pathways
This grant aims to find targeted ways to treat leiomyosarcoma by exploiting the tumor’s DNA repair weaknesses and testing biomarkers that may guide therapy.
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Genetics and Genomics of Leiomyosarcoma: better understanding and new options for diagnosis and treatment
A large research program is exploring the genetic drivers of leiomyosarcoma to help develop better ways to diagnose and treat this cancer.
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Targeting DNA repair weaknesses in leiomyosarcoma
This project tests drugs that block a DNA-repair enzyme to make leiomyosarcoma tumors more sensitive to treatment for people with metastatic LMS.
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Understanding the genes behind leiomyosarcoma to improve diagnosis and treatment
This project looks at how inherited and tumor gene changes, especially TP53 and other DNA repair genes, affect people with leiomyosarcoma to help create better tests and therapies.
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Understanding genetic weaknesses in leiomyosarcoma
This study is looking at leiomyosarcoma, a tough type of cancer, to understand how certain genetic changes can affect how it responds to treatment, with the goal of finding better ways to target and treat this cancer for patients like you.
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.