Targeting ERBB3-positive cancer cells to treat childhood rhabdomyosarcoma
Official title: Targeting ERBB3-positive differentiated populations to eliminate therapy resistant rhabdomyosarcomas.
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11434989 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at treating children with a tough form of muscle cancer by focusing on a specific cell type that helps tumors grow and resist therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $476,941 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA316804-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11434989 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are children with fusion-positive rhabdomyosarcoma or similar ERBB3-expressing tumors and those who have relapsed or are at high risk.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without ERBB3-expressing tumors or those not eligible for antibody-drug conjugate therapy may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project studies fusion-positive rhabdomyosarcoma in children, a cancer with low survival after relapse. Researchers will look at ERBB3-expressing differentiated tumor cells and how they promote growth and resistance to treatment. The work uses patient-derived models and an ERBB3-targeting antibody-drug conjugate to test whether eliminating these cells can stop the cancer. If successful, the findings could guide new therapies for kids with FP-RMS. The study is designed to translate lab discoveries into potential clinical strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new treatments that improve survival for children with FP-RMS.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical models have shown ERBB3 involvement in tumor growth; some ERBB3-targeted therapies are in clinical trials, suggesting potential benefit but requiring confirmation in RMS.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ignatius, Myron Steve — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Ignatius, Myron Steve
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.