Developing a new treatment for a common brain tumor in children
Official title: Preclinical Studies to Develop an Eya2 Tyr Phosphatase Inhibitor as a Novel Medulloblastoma Therapeutic
Funded at Sieyax, INC · NIH-11006371 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to treat medulloblastoma, a common brain tumor in kids, by focusing on a protein called EYA2 that helps the tumor grow, with hopes of finding a safer treatment that causes fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sieyax, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Broomfield, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $399,709 |
| NIH project number | 1R41CA291231-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11006371 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with medulloblastoma, particularly those with high MYC expression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those who do not have MYC-driven medulloblastoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on medulloblastoma, the most prevalent malignant brain tumor in children, which has seen little advancement in treatment options over the years. Current therapies, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, often lead to severe side effects, particularly in young patients. The study aims to develop a novel therapeutic approach by targeting the EYA2 protein, which regulates the MYC oncogene critical for tumor growth. Researchers have identified small-molecule inhibitors that can effectively reduce MYC levels and inhibit tumor growth in preclinical models, potentially offering a safer treatment alternative.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new, less toxic treatment option for children with medulloblastoma.
How similar studies have gone: While targeting MYC has been challenging, preliminary findings suggest that similar approaches using EYA2 inhibitors have shown promise in preclinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Sieyax, INC
Broomfield, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ford, Heide L. — Sieyax, INC
- Study coordinator: Ford, Heide L.
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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.