Finding a way to detect a specific genetic marker in pediatric lung cancer
Official title: Detecting DICER1: A global partnership to cure pediatric lung cancer
Funded at Children's Hospitals and Clinics · NIH-11034103 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special gene called DICER1 to help create a blood test that can find signs of lung cancer in kids, called pleuropulmonary blastoma, so doctors can better decide who needs treatment and who might not, all to help improve care for these young patients.
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 15, 2020 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $347,577 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA244940-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11034103 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 7 years old who have been diagnosed with pleuropulmonary blastoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients diagnosed with other types of lung cancer or those over the age of 7 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB), the most common lung cancer in children, particularly focusing on the role of the DICER1 gene. The study aims to develop a blood-based test called DICER-Dx to identify circulating tumor DNA, which could help in monitoring the disease and determining the need for chemotherapy. By analyzing the genetic variations associated with DICER1, the research seeks to improve risk stratification for children diagnosed with PPB, ensuring that those who need more intensive treatment receive it while sparing others from unnecessary side effects. The project is part of a larger international effort to enhance outcomes for children with this rare cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate monitoring and treatment decisions for children with pleuropulmonary blastoma, potentially improving survival rates and reducing treatment-related side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using blood-based assays for tumor monitoring in various cancers, suggesting that this approach may be effective for pleuropulmonary blastoma as well.
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Blood-based markers to identify lung cancer risk in never-smokers
A researchers team at NYU School of Medicine is testing blood tests that might flag higher lung cancer risk in people who have never smoked, helping decide who might need screening.
-
Integrative Analysis of Lung Cancer Risk and Its Causes
A large, multi-part study at the University of New Mexico is exploring why lung cancer happens and how to better prevent and detect it.
-
Integrative Analysis of Lung Cancer Risk and Causes
A large NIH project is exploring how tobacco use, behavior, biology, and screening practices influence lung cancer risk and outcomes to help prevent and detect it earlier.
-
Digital health strategies to expand lung cancer screening in safety-net clinics
A funded project aims to help low-resource clinics increase the use of lung cancer screening for patients who smoke or are at risk.
-
Proteomics-guided matching of lung cancer tumors to preclinical models
This grant aims to improve how we match a patient’s lung cancer tumor to the right preclinical models using protein data.
-
Optimizing lung cancer care with smart tools for prevention, early detection, treatment, and survivorship
A U01 grant using AI and biomarkers to improve lung cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and survivorship care for people at risk or living with lung cancer.
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.