Identifying treatment targets for Ewing sarcoma using gene expression analysis
Official title: Gene Expression Signature Based Screening in Ewing Sarcoma
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-10816375 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein related to Ewing sarcoma helps the cancer grow, and it's testing new treatments that might stop this growth to help patients with this tough type of cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $362,118 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA217910-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-10816375 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, particularly those who are young or have not responded to existing treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancers or those who do not have Ewing sarcoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates Ewing sarcoma, a severe bone and soft tissue cancer linked to the EWS-FLI1 fusion protein. The study aims to uncover how this protein contributes to tumor growth and survival by identifying its downstream targets and vulnerabilities. Using human embryonic stem cells that express EWS-FLI1, researchers will explore the effectiveness of inhibitors that block DNA replication, particularly focusing on ribonucleotide reductase inhibitors like gemcitabine. The goal is to find new treatment strategies that could improve outcomes for patients with this aggressive cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with Ewing sarcoma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar vulnerabilities in other cancers, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gordon, David J — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Gordon, David J
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A funded project at Stanford aims to use immune markers on Ewing Sarcoma to develop targeted immunotherapies that work in children and adults with this cancer.
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A clinician-researcher team at Dana-Farber is studying how DNA damage repair weaknesses help drive Ewing sarcoma in kids and teens, with the goal of better predicting risk and guiding therapy.
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.