Investigating how cancer-associated fibroblasts affect tumor growth in pediatric neuroblastoma
Official title: Cancer-associated fibroblasts and extracellular matrix remodeling in pediatric neuroblastoma
Funded at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, LLC · NIH-10912574 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in tumors, called cancer-associated fibroblasts, affect the growth of neuroblastoma in kids, with the hope that understanding these interactions can help improve treatment and outcomes for young patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $44,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31CA275320-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912574 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma, particularly those under 11 years old.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who are not diagnosed with neuroblastoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment of pediatric neuroblastoma, a type of childhood cancer. The study aims to explore how these fibroblasts contribute to the remodeling of the extracellular matrix, which is crucial for tumor development and progression. By using a specific mouse model that mimics high-risk neuroblastoma, researchers will investigate the complex interactions between CAFs, tumor cells, and immune cells. This could lead to insights into how these interactions influence tumor behavior and patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that improve survival rates for children with high-risk neuroblastoma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding CAFs in adult cancers, but this approach in pediatric neuroblastoma is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, LLC
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peterson, Nicolas — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, LLC
- Study coordinator: Peterson, Nicolas
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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.