Targeting DNA repair weaknesses in leiomyosarcoma
PROJECT 1: Genomic Vulnerabilities in Leiomyosarcoma (LMS)
This project tests drugs that block a DNA-repair enzyme to make leiomyosarcoma tumors more sensitive to treatment for people with metastatic LMS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11193258 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are looking at why many leiomyosarcoma tumors have unstable chromosomes and rely on a DNA-repair enzyme called DNA-PK. They will compare tumor samples from different metastases and measure DNA-PK activity, DNA damage markers, and specific gene changes (like TP53 and RB1). The team plans to see whether partial versus complete TP53 changes affect how tumors respond to DNA-PK targeting. Ultimately they want to find better ways to pick patients and design treatments that push the cancer past its ability to repair itself.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with leiomyosarcoma—especially those with metastatic disease—who can provide tumor biopsies or samples and attend follow-up visits.
Not a fit: People without leiomyosarcoma, or whose tumors lack DNA-repair defects or chromosomal instability, are unlikely to benefit directly from these approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that make leiomyosarcoma more responsive to therapy and reduce the chance of deadly metastasis.
How similar studies have performed: Similar strategies targeting DNA-repair weaknesses (for example PARP inhibitors in other cancers) have shown benefit, but directly targeting DNA-PK in leiomyosarcoma is a newer, early-stage approach.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fletcher, Jonathan Alfred — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Fletcher, Jonathan Alfred
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.