Targeting protein degradation to treat childhood tumors

PROTECT (Harnessing PROTEin degradation for Advanced Childhood Tumors)

NIH-funded research Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11047026

This study is working on new ways to treat childhood brain tumors by finding and blocking specific proteins that help these cancers grow, so kids with these tumors can have better treatment options than what’s currently available.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11047026 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing innovative treatments for childhood solid tumors, particularly brain tumors, which have seen stagnant survival rates. By utilizing advanced techniques such as targeted protein degradation and CRISPR-Cas9 screening, the research aims to identify and inhibit specific proteins that drive these cancers. The approach involves a collaborative team of experts in various fields, including pediatric oncology and medicinal chemistry, to create effective therapies tailored to the unique biology of pediatric tumors. Patients may benefit from new treatment options that are designed to be more effective than traditional chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with solid tumors, particularly those that have not responded well to conventional treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with tumors that are not classified as solid or those outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and targeted therapies for children with solid tumors, improving survival rates and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting previously undruggable proteins in cancer, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.