Improving radiation treatment for pediatric cancers using advanced data science
Official title: Radiation Oncology at the Interface of Pediatric Cancer Biology and Data Science
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-10931411 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the genes of aggressive childhood tumors, like diffuse midline glioma and high-risk neuroblastoma, affect how well radiation therapy works, so we can create better treatments that are more suited to each child's unique cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,531,427 |
| NIH project number | 5U54CA274516-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931411 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with diffuse midline glioma or high-risk neuroblastoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancers or those who are not within the pediatric age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness and precision of radiation therapies for aggressive pediatric tumors, specifically diffuse midline glioma and high-risk neuroblastoma. By collaborating with leading cancer centers, the project aims to understand how the genetic makeup of these tumors influences their response to radiation. The study will analyze tumor samples from children before and after treatment to identify mechanisms of radiation resistance, ultimately aiming to develop more effective treatment strategies. Patients may benefit from improved radiation therapies tailored to their specific cancer characteristics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective radiation treatments for children with aggressive cancers, potentially improving survival rates and reducing side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced data science approaches to improve cancer treatments, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Haas-Kogan, Daphne a. — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Haas-Kogan, Daphne a.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Deep profiling of how fusion-driven pediatric cancers spread, using single-cell protein tools
Researchers will develop fast, highly capable single-cell protein measurements to understand how certain pediatric cancers, like Ewing sarcoma, spread and evade the immune system.
-
Radiation therapy and data science to help kids with cancer
Scientists from two top cancer centers are teaming up to make radiation for pediatric cancers more powerful and precise, using data science to guide treatment for children with two tough tumors.
-
Targeting childhood cancer vulnerabilities with CRISPR-based screens
A pediatric cancer research project uses CRISPR screens to find new, druggable weaknesses in childhood leukemias to guide safer, targeted therapies.
-
Genetic links between birth anomalies and childhood cancer in kids and young people
This grant tests how inherited birth defects and genetic factors may increase the risk of cancer in children and teens, using real-world birth and cancer data to understand shared genetics.
-
A living-cell detector for ALT-related biomarkers in pediatric bone cancers
A new, cell-based tool will help scientists see ALT activity in cancer cells from pediatric tumors, potentially guiding future therapies.
-
Using children's tumor protein and genetic data to find better treatments
This project analyzes tumor DNA, RNA, proteins, and protein modifications to find potential treatment targets for children with brain tumors and leukemias.
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.