Targeting how RMS cells fail to mature to slow or stop pediatric muscle cancer spread
Official title: Targeting defective differentiation in the treatment of pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma invasion and metastasis
Funded at Purdue University · NIH-11609892 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A project to understand why a pediatric muscle cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma spreads, and to test ideas that could slow or stop it by helping cancer cells mature properly.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00CA273296-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11609892 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is primarily preclinical; however, it centers on pediatric RMS biology which could translate to future patient-directed trials.
✕Less likely to help
The immediate work uses cell lines and animal models and does not involve direct patient participation.
What this research studies
Rhabdomyosarcoma affects about 350 children each year, and advanced cases have not seen improved outcomes for decades. The research focuses on how the cancer’s muscle-like cells fail to differentiate and how this failure helps the cancer invade and metastasize. Building on previous findings, the team will study how YAP/TAZ-related pathways and NF-kB activity influence differentiation, using innovative cell lines and single-cell analysis. The study plans three aims to explore mechanisms and test differentiation-based strategies in preclinical models to guide future therapies. If successful, this work could inform new treatments that potentially limit spread and improve survival for children with RMS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new differentiation-based therapies that reduce invasion and metastasis in pediatric RMS, potentially improving survival and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests differentiation can be modulated to affect tumor growth, with potential for translation to therapies in RMS.
Where this research is happening
-
Purdue University
West Lafayette, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hebron, Katie Elizabeth — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Hebron, Katie Elizabeth
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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.