Targeting the Hippo pathway in common complex sarcomas

Project 2: Targeting the Hippo Pathway in Genetically Complex Sarcomas

NIH-funded research Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11181588

Seeks to block a cancer growth system (the Hippo pathway and eIF4A) to help people with four aggressive, genetically complex sarcomas: well-differentiated and dedifferentiated liposarcoma, myxofibrosarcoma, and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11181588 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This project aims to find targeted drugs for four aggressive sarcoma types that often return after surgery. Researchers will study how the Hippo pathway and its effectors YAP and TAZ drive tumor growth and spread using tumor samples, cell lines, and animal models. They will test a new drug that inhibits the translation factor eIF4A (TDI-7663) to see if it reduces YAP/TAZ protein levels and tumor growth. Promising lab and animal results would support steps toward early human testing.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with well-differentiated liposarcoma, dedifferentiated liposarcoma, myxofibrosarcoma, or undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma—especially those with recurrent, advanced, or metastatic disease—are the most relevant candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with other cancer types, those already cured by local therapy, or whose tumors do not rely on Hippo signaling are less likely to benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Could produce new targeted treatments that slow or stop growth and spread of these sarcomas, offering options for patients with recurrent or advanced disease.

How similar studies have performed: Targeting YAP/TAZ and using eIF4A inhibitors is a relatively new approach with encouraging preclinical data but limited clinical proof to date.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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.
Conditions Cancer GenesCancer ModelCancer-Promoting GeneCancerModelCancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.