Improving diagnosis and treatment for tumors caused by NF1 mutations
Developmental Research Program
This program funds new pilot projects to find better ways to diagnose and treat tumors linked to NF1 gene changes in children and adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11181025 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This SPORE developmental program supports short-term pilot projects that move lab discoveries toward patient care for NF1-related tumors. Funded projects cover population studies, new therapeutic approaches, and research into how these tumors form and grow, often using patient samples and clinical data. The program helps both senior and early-career investigators get preliminary results so promising ideas can compete for larger grants and advance to clinical testing. It is led from Indiana University with partner institutions and includes a Career Enhancement Program for junior researchers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with germline or somatic NF1 mutations or diagnosed NF1-associated tumors, and those willing to donate samples or take part in related clinical studies, are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients without NF1 or whose cancers are unrelated to NF1 are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this program's specific projects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could speed the arrival of better diagnostics and treatments and help move laboratory findings into clinical trials for people with NF1-associated tumors.
How similar studies have performed: Related translational programs have led to real clinical advances for NF1 tumors, such as targeted MEK inhibitor therapies, so this approach has precedent and promise.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shannon, Kevin M. — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Shannon, Kevin M.
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 below.