Targeting a specific pathway to treat synovial sarcoma
SUMOylation disruption is toxic for SS18-SSX-driven synovial sarcoma
This work explores a new way to stop synovial sarcoma, a type of cancer, by disrupting a process called SUMOylation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11158588 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Synovial sarcoma is a challenging cancer, especially for young people, with limited treatment options and a high chance of spreading. This project focuses on the unique genetic change that drives this cancer, called SS18-SSX, which currently has no targeted therapies. Researchers have found that blocking a process called SUMOylation could disrupt how SS18-SSX works, potentially damaging cancer cells. The team is testing a medication, TAK-981, that can block SUMOylation to see if it can shrink synovial sarcoma tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with synovial sarcoma driven by the SS18-SSX genetic change, particularly those for whom current treatments are not effective, could potentially benefit from future therapies developed from this research.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or synovial sarcoma not driven by the SS18-SSX fusion may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the first targeted therapy for synovial sarcoma, offering a new and more effective treatment option for patients.
How similar studies have performed: This approach identifies a novel synthetic lethality for SS18-SSX in synovial sarcoma, and early findings show promising results in preclinical models using an existing drug.
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.