Lab-grown tumor models to study pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma
Addressing biological and therapeutic gaps in rare neuroendocrine cancer with a novel organoid-based model
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER · NIH-11210620
Creating and using miniature tumors grown from patient samples to help find better treatments for people with pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11210620 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will grow organoids—small, lab-grown models—from pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma tumor tissue to mimic the original tumors. They will compare the organoids to the patient tumors to confirm they show the same features and biology. The team will use these organoids to study what makes some tumors behave aggressively and to screen drugs for vulnerabilities. The goal is to create a practical model that helps scientists test treatments more quickly for these rare neuroendocrine tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma who can donate tumor tissue at surgery or biopsy or who receive care at a participating center.
Not a fit: Patients without PPGL, those unable to donate tissue, or those needing immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal markers that predict tumor behavior and identify new drug targets to improve treatment options for PPGL patients.
How similar studies have performed: Organoid models have guided drug studies in other cancers, but creating and using organoids specifically for PPGL is a newer and exploratory approach.
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.