Understanding Enchondroma Bone Tumors
Molecular Etiology of Enchondromatosis
This research explores the root causes of enchondroma, a common benign bone tumor that can sometimes turn into cancer, to find new ways to help patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11123133 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Enchondromas are common, non-cancerous bone growths that can lead to pain, bone changes, and fractures, and sometimes develop into a type of bone cancer called chondrosarcoma. We know that changes in certain genes, called IDH1 and IDH2, are often found in these tumors. Our previous work showed that these gene changes affect how cartilage cells develop and can lead to enchondromas in models. While a specific substance produced by these changed genes might start the tumor, we believe other factors related to cell metabolism, like how cells use energy and make cholesterol, are important for the tumor to keep growing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with enchondromas or chondrosarcomas, especially those with known IDH gene mutations, could potentially benefit from future treatments developed from this research.
Not a fit: Patients with bone tumors not related to enchondromas or chondrosarcomas, or those without IDH gene mutations, may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could uncover new targets for medicines to stop enchondromas from growing or turning into cancer, offering new treatment options for patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of IDH mutations in enchondromas and chondrosarcomas is established, this research explores novel metabolic pathways beyond the initial epigenetic effects, representing a new direction.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alman, Benjamin Aaron — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Alman, Benjamin Aaron
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 below.