Targeting the PAX3-FOXO1 protein in a deadly childhood cancer
Official title: Defining and targeting the molecular vulnerabilities of the PAX3-FOXO1 protein in rhabdomyosarcoma
Funded at Duke University · NIH-9833682 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a specific protein that helps a tough childhood cancer called alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, with the goal of finding new ways to treat kids who have this illness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2019 |
| Award (this year) | $5,849,947 |
| NIH project number | 1U54CA231630-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-9833682 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with PAX3-FOXO1-positive alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of rhabdomyosarcoma or those without the PAX3-FOXO1 fusion protein may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding and targeting the PAX3-FOXO1 fusion protein, which plays a critical role in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a severe form of childhood cancer. The project aims to identify the molecular vulnerabilities associated with this protein to develop new therapeutic strategies. By employing advanced biological and clinical techniques, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms that drive tumor growth and find ways to disrupt them. This comprehensive approach could lead to more effective treatments for affected children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve survival rates and treatment options for children diagnosed with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma.
How similar studies have gone: While the PAX3-FOXO1 fusion protein has been identified for some time, this research represents a novel and comprehensive approach to targeting it, as previous strategies have been limited and largely untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Linardic, Corinne Mary — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Linardic, Corinne Mary
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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.