Stopping tumor 'stem cells' that drive malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors
Targeting the Cancer Stem Cells in Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor
['FUNDING_R37'] · MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN · NIH-11159749
This project aims to block a signaling loop that helps cancer 'stem cells' start and spread malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors to slow tumor growth and metastasis for people with MPNST.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R37'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MILWAUKEE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11159749 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will study tumor samples from people with MPNST and use mouse models to find a small population of stem-like tumor cells that can seed new tumors and metastases. They will focus on a nerve-related signaling loop (NRG1–ERBB3–CD44) that appears to help these cells survive and spread. In mice they will test ways to disrupt that loop and watch whether treated tumors form less often or send out fewer metastases. The work combines analysis of human tumors, genetic labeling in mouse models, and functional tests of tumor initiation and spread.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST), including those with NF1-associated disease or recurrent/metastatic MPNST, would be the most relevant candidates for related clinical approaches.
Not a fit: People with unrelated cancer types or tumors that are not driven by the NRG1–ERBB3–CD44 pathway are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that prevent tumor start and reduce metastasis in patients with MPNST.
How similar studies have performed: Therapies targeting ERBB-family signaling have helped other cancers, but targeting the specific NRG1–ERBB3–CD44 loop in MPNST is largely new and not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
MILWAUKEE, UNITED STATES
- MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN — MILWAUKEE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SUN, DAOCHUN — MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN
- Study coordinator: SUN, DAOCHUN
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.
Conditions: Breast Cancer Cell Differentiation Factor P45, Cancers