MYCN creates an iron-related weakness in aggressive neuroblastoma
MYCN drives a ferroptotic vulnerability in neuroblastoma
['FUNDING_R01'] · VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY · NIH-11212536
Researchers aim to make aggressive, MYCN-driven neuroblastoma in children die by removing the tumor's antioxidant defenses and triggering iron-related cell damage.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (RICHMOND, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11212536 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, this project looks at why some high-risk neuroblastomas with extra copies of the MYCN gene are unusually dependent on certain antioxidant pathways. In the lab, scientists study tumor cells and models to see how MYCN changes how cancer cells handle iron and build protective molecules like cysteine and selenocysteine. They are testing genetic and drug approaches that block those protections, including targeting the GPX4 pathway, to force cancer cells into iron-driven cell death. The goal is to find druggable weak spots that could be turned into new treatments for children with hard-to-treat neuroblastoma.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children with neuroblastoma whose tumors have MYCN amplification, especially those with high-risk or treatment-resistant disease, would be the most relevant candidates for future trials based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not have MYCN amplification or who have unrelated pediatric cancers are unlikely to benefit directly from these specific findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug strategies that selectively kill MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cells and lead to better treatments for children with this high-risk cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical research on ferroptosis and GPX4 inhibition has shown promising results in lab models, but translating these approaches into safe, effective treatments for patients is still early and unproven.
Where this research is happening
RICHMOND, UNITED STATES
- VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY — RICHMOND, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FABER, ANTHONY CHARLES — VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: FABER, ANTHONY CHARLES
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.