Targeting cancer-causing proteins in fusion-driven sarcoma
Official title: Targeting transcriptional addiction in fusion-driven sarcoma
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10987878 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new medicines that can specifically target and block certain proteins that help some cancers, like sarcomas, grow, with the goal of finding better treatments to slow down or stop the cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | July 8, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $2,203,647 |
| NIH project number | 1UM1CA294119-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10987878 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults diagnosed with fusion-driven sarcomas.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with sarcomas not driven by fusion proteins or those with other unrelated cancers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new small molecule drugs that can specifically target and disrupt the function of fusion proteins responsible for driving certain types of cancer, particularly sarcomas. By understanding how these proteins manipulate the transcriptional machinery in cells, the research aims to create therapies that can effectively impair their oncogenic activity. The approach involves advanced techniques like CRISPR screening to identify potential drug targets and assess their effectiveness in halting cancer progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments for patients with fusion-driven sarcomas, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While targeting transcriptional fusion proteins is a challenging area, there have been promising advancements in similar approaches, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcfadden, David Glenn — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mcfadden, David Glenn
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Targeting transcription-driven cancer with small molecules
A research project at UT Southwestern aims to create and test small drugs that jam the cancer-causing drive of fusion proteins in certain pediatric/adolescent cancers.
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New treatments for sarcoma driven by fusion proteins
This project aims to find new small molecule medicines for sarcomas that are caused by unique fusion proteins.
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Reducing Addiction Risk in High Schools Through Better Prevention Infrastructure
Aims to build a sustainable, school-based system to prevent opioid and other drug use among high school students, especially those at higher risk.
-
HEAL Data Platform to share addiction-related data across programs
A platform project to make HEAL data from many programs easier to find and use, helping researchers and clinicians access information about addiction in children and youth.
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Cognitively-enhanced tDCS to reduce cocaine craving
A study to test whether real brain stimulation together with learning strategies can lessen craving in people with cocaine use disorder.
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Testing new therapies for pediatric and young adult sarcoma, kidney, and liver cancers
Researchers are testing new drugs and smart combinations in models of pediatric cancers to help guide future treatments for kids and young adults.
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.