NIH-funded research R01 grant

Investigating shared genetic factors in pediatric cancers

Official title: Genetic pleiotropy across pediatric cancers, and cancer-related outcomes

Funded at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-11090561 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at the genetic links between different types of childhood cancers to see how these shared genes might affect how kids respond to treatment, with the goal of finding better ways to help them.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Memphis, United States)
Project startMay 16, 2024
Project endApril 30, 2029
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$679,091
NIH project number5R01CA283333-02
Project IDNIH-11090561 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include children diagnosed with any type of cancer, particularly those under the age of 11.

Less likely to help

Patients with adult-onset cancers or those not diagnosed with cancer may not receive any benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research aims to explore the genetic connections among various types of pediatric cancers, focusing on how these shared genetic factors may influence cancer outcomes. By analyzing a large dataset of over 43,000 pediatric cancer cases, the study will utilize advanced genomic techniques to identify common genetic markers across more than 25 cancer subtypes. This comprehensive approach seeks to enhance our understanding of cancer predisposition and improve treatment strategies for affected children.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved risk assessment and targeted therapies for children diagnosed with cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in identifying genetic factors in individual cancer types, but this study represents a novel approach by examining genetic pleiotropy across multiple pediatric cancers.

Where this research is happening

  • St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
    Memphis, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Wang, Zhaoming — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
  • Study coordinator: Wang, Zhaoming

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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  • Investigating a specific type of leukemia in children caused by genetic changes.

    This study is looking at how certain proteins linked to leukemia affect kids and teens with high-risk blood cancers, and the researchers hope to find new ways to treat these conditions by learning more about how the disease works.

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    A brain-friendly, patient-centered imaging approach aims to uncover hidden disease signals in cells and tissues without labels or dyes.

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  • Targeting the SCP4 pathway in acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

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  • Blocking cancer-causing cMYC tricks after pregnancy changes in the breast

    Researchers are testing how pregnancy and aging reshape the breast before cancer risk, using patient-reinformed models to see if it changes how dangerous cMYC signals behave.

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  • Targeting aberrant enhancer landscapes in pancreatic cancer

    A patient-facing look at a project that aims to understand how pancreatic cancer changes its cell identity and what that means for treatment.

    NIH research St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · Memphis, United States · NIH-11611138

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.