Extra 17q chromosome and aggressive neuroblastoma
Official title: Define the role of chromosome 17q gain in neuroblastoma malignancy
Funded at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles · NIH-11252342 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are looking at how an extra copy of chromosome 17q makes neuroblastoma tumors grow faster and resist chemotherapy in children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hospital of Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $558,719 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA289964-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11252342 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children with neuroblastoma—especially tumors tested and found to have 17q gain or MYCN amplification—would be the most relevant group to benefit from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have neuroblastoma or whose tumors lack 17q gain are unlikely to see direct benefits from this project in the short term.
What this research studies
This project uses human stem cells that are guided to become the nerve-related cells where neuroblastoma starts, then introduces an extra copy of chromosome 17q to see what happens. The modified human cells are studied in the lab and implanted into mice so researchers can watch tumor growth and response to treatment. Early data show 17q gain alone does not make tumors, but together with the MYCN oncogene it speeds tumor formation and may drive chemo resistance. The work is lab-based using human-derived cells and animal models, so it does not enroll patients now but aims to point to future treatment strategies or trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could identify why 17q+ neuroblastoma is more aggressive and suggest targets to improve therapy for high-risk patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has long linked 17q gain to worse outcomes in neuroblastoma, but using human stem-cell-derived models to demonstrate a functional role and interaction with MYCN is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Miller — Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Huang, Miller
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Drug-targetable epigenetic changes driving aggressive neuroblastoma
Researchers are looking at whether drugs that change how genes are packaged (epigenetic drugs) can block aggressive neuroblastoma in children.
-
Understanding how chromosome 17q affects neuroblastoma cancer severity
This study is looking at how a specific genetic change on chromosome 17q affects neuroblastoma, a type of cancer that often affects children, to help understand why some tumors are harder to treat and to find new ways to improve care for young patients.
-
Investigating how certain genetic factors influence neuroblastoma in children
This study is looking at how certain genes make high-risk neuroblastoma, a tough childhood cancer, harder to treat, with the hope of finding better therapies for kids who need more options.
-
Detecting cancer risk and treatment response in NF1 nerve tumors using cfDNA markers
A doctor-led study will test blood-based DNA markers to detect when NF1-related nerve tumors become malignant and to monitor how well treatment is working.
-
Epigenetic Basis for Controlling Aggressive IDH-Mutant Gliomas
Aims to understand and shape the epigenetic changes in IDH-mutant brain tumors to restrain their growth, which could lead to new, targeted treatment options for patients.
-
Computational and functional screens to find actionable neuroblastoma drivers
Researchers are using advanced computer analysis and lab tests to find new genes and drug targets in neuroblastoma, aiming to improve outcomes for children.
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.