Organoid models for rare adrenal tumors (pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma)
Addressing biological and therapeutic gaps in rare neuroendocrine cancer with a novel organoid-based model
Creating lab-grown mini-tumors to help find better treatments for people with rare adrenal tumors called pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas.
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-11160550 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will grow organoids — small, three-dimensional lab models made from patient tumor tissue — from pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) samples to see whether they mirror the original tumors. They will compare genetic, cellular, and behavioral features between the organoids and the patient tumors to confirm similarity. The team will use these organoids to run drug screens and study molecular pathways to identify vulnerabilities and potential biomarkers linked to aggressive behavior. By building a bank of PPGL organoids, the project aims to overcome the lack of research models that currently slows progress for these rare tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma who are undergoing surgery or biopsy and are willing to donate tumor tissue could be eligible to participate.
Not a fit: People without PPGL or those needing immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this lab-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could help identify new targeted therapies and tests that predict which PPGL tumors will act aggressively.
How similar studies have performed: Organoid methods have informed treatment research in other cancers, but using organoids specifically for PPGL is relatively new and less tested.
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.