New treatments for a rare cancer called epithelioid hemangioendothelioma

Forging a new path with cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors to treat epithelioid hemangioendothelioma

NIH-funded research Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-11011452

This study is looking at a rare and tough cancer called epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) to find new treatments, using specially designed mice and human cell models to test a promising drug called dinaciclib that might help fight the disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cleveland, United States)
Project IDNIH-11011452 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE), a rare and aggressive cancer with no effective treatments currently available. The team is developing genetically engineered mouse models to better understand the disease and identify potential therapies. They are screening for small molecules that can disrupt the cancer-causing fusion gene, with a particular focus on a drug called dinaciclib, which has shown promise in preliminary tests. By creating human cell models and testing these drugs, the research aims to pave the way for new treatment options for patients with EHE.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, particularly those with aggressive forms of the disease.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those who do not have epithelioid hemangioendothelioma may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective treatments for patients suffering from epithelioid hemangioendothelioma.

How similar studies have performed: While research on cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors has shown promise in other cancers, this specific approach for epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is novel and untested.

Where this research is happening

Cleveland, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions addictive disorderanti-cancer therapyCancer Cause
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.