Targeting a specific protein to treat osteosarcoma in children using a therapy developed with dogs
Official title: A Dkk-1 targeting antisense therapy for human osteosarcoma, developed with help from man’s best friend
Funded at Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr · NIH-11031821 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment for osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer that affects kids, by using a special drug to block a protein that helps tumors grow, and it will also look at how well this treatment works in dogs with the same cancer to help improve options for children in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $210,789 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA286523-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11031821 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old diagnosed with osteosarcoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with osteosarcoma who are older than 11 years or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new therapy for osteosarcoma, a common bone cancer in children, by targeting a protein called Dkk-1 that contributes to tumor growth and spread. The approach involves using an antisense morpholino drug, which has shown promise in animal models, to inhibit Dkk-1 and reduce tumor progression. The research will also utilize dogs with osteosarcoma to better understand how this therapy can be translated to human patients, as the disease shares many similarities between species. By confirming the effectiveness of this treatment in dogs, the researchers aim to pave the way for future clinical trials in children with osteosarcoma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective treatment for pediatric osteosarcoma, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for affected children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using similar antisense therapies in animal models, indicating potential for effective translation to human treatments.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gregory, Carl a. — Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
- Study coordinator: Gregory, Carl a.
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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.