Investigating how a specific cancer fusion protein affects tumor growth and immune response in a rare type of sarcoma.
Official title: The role of IL-6/STAT3 signaling in CIC-DUX4 fusion sarcoma metastasis and immunosuppression
Funded at Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · NIH-11097457 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how a specific protein linked to a rare and aggressive cancer called CIC-DUX4 fusion-positive sarcoma helps the cancer grow and spread, with the goal of finding new ways to treat patients and improve their outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project start | April 3, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $593,028 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA299039-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11097457 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children, adolescents, and young adults diagnosed with CIC-DUX4 fusion-positive sarcoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of sarcomas or those without the CIC-DUX4 fusion may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which the CIC-DUX4 fusion protein contributes to the progression and spread of a rare and aggressive type of cancer known as CIC-DUX4 fusion-positive sarcoma. The study aims to explore how this fusion protein activates specific signaling pathways, particularly IL-6/STAT3, which may lead to increased cancer stem cell characteristics and altered metabolism in tumor cells. Additionally, the research will examine how this fusion protein influences the immune environment by recruiting immune cells that may promote tumor growth and metastasis. By uncovering these mechanisms, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets for improving patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that improve survival rates for patients with CIC-DUX4 fusion-positive sarcoma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting similar signaling pathways in other cancers, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
Duarte, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yu, Hua E — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Yu, Hua E
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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.