Lab-grown tumor models for rare adrenal neuroendocrine cancers
Addressing biological and therapeutic gaps in rare neuroendocrine cancer with a novel organoid-based model
Researchers are growing tiny 3D tumor models from people with pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma to learn why these rare adrenal cancers act differently and to test potential drugs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11210618 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have a pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma, researchers would create small 3D organoids from your tumor tissue to see whether they match the original tumor's features. These organoids would be used to study tumor behavior, genetics, and markers that might predict aggressive disease. Scientists will also use the organoids to screen drugs and look for vulnerabilities that current treatments miss. Over time this work aims to make it easier to study these rare tumors and speed development of better therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma, especially those having surgery or biopsy who can provide tumor tissue, are the best candidates.
Not a fit: People without PPGL, those unable to provide tumor samples, or those seeking an immediate treatment option are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could help identify tests to predict which tumors will be aggressive and point to new treatments tailored to PPGL tumors.
How similar studies have performed: Organoid models have been useful in several other cancers to study biology and test drugs, but creating organoids for PPGL is a newer effort with only preliminary success so far.
Where this research is happening
San Antonio, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Science Center — San Antonio, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dahia, Patricia Leal — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Dahia, Patricia Leal
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.