High-specificity genome-scale cell-surface proteomics to find tumor targets
Official title: High-specificity genome-scale cell surface proteomics for discovery of tumor-specific cancer therapeutic targets
Funded at Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11571088 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A cancer research project is trying to map all the proteins on the surface of ultra-rare sarcoma cells to find safe, targeted ways to treat them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,500,000 |
| NIH project number | 1U01FD008983-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11571088 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with ultra-rare aggressive sarcomas such as SEF, AT/RT, rhabdoid tumors, and related sarcomas.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not express actionable surface proteins or who are not eligible for upcoming targeted therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on cancers driven by fusion transcription factors and chromatin changes that are hard to treat with standard therapies. Researchers will create a highly accurate method to identify which cell-surface proteins could be good targets for new treatments like antibody-drug conjugates or engineered cells. The study will generate detailed data on the tumor surfaceome, including unusual protein forms created by transcriptional and splicing changes, to guide target selection and de-risk the development of therapies. By collaborating with regulatory bodies and leveraging innovative approaches, the team aims to accelerate progress toward effective, precision therapies for these patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with ultra-rare sarcomas could gain new, targeted treatment options with potentially better effectiveness and fewer side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that mapping tumor surface proteins can guide targeted therapy, but this project aims for a more comprehensive and precise atlas.
Where this research is happening
-
Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kentsis, Alex — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Kentsis, Alex
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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.