Understanding genetic weaknesses in leiomyosarcoma
Official title: PROJECT 1: Genomic Vulnerabilities in Leiomyosarcoma (LMS)
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10911936 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at leiomyosarcoma, a tough type of cancer, to understand how certain genetic changes can affect how it responds to treatment, with the goal of finding better ways to target and treat this cancer for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $397,124 |
| NIH project number | 5P50CA272170-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10911936 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma, particularly those with metastatic disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who do not have leiomyosarcoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on leiomyosarcoma (LMS), a challenging type of cancer that often spreads and is difficult to treat. The team is investigating the genetic vulnerabilities of LMS, particularly how certain genetic mutations affect the cancer's response to treatment. They aim to identify biomarkers that indicate how the cancer behaves and how it can be targeted more effectively. By studying the DNA damage response mechanisms in LMS, the researchers hope to develop new therapies that increase the effectiveness of existing treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with leiomyosarcoma, improving their chances of recovery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting DNA damage response pathways in various cancers, suggesting that this approach could be beneficial for leiomyosarcoma as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fletcher, Jonathan Alfred — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Fletcher, Jonathan Alfred
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Leiomyosarcoma treatment insights from tumor genetics
A study looks at how tumor genetics relate to how leiomyosarcoma patients respond to standard systemic therapies.
-
Genomic vulnerabilities in leiomyosarcoma: targeting DNA-PK pathways
This grant aims to find targeted ways to treat leiomyosarcoma by exploiting the tumor’s DNA repair weaknesses and testing biomarkers that may guide therapy.
-
Genetics and Genomics of Leiomyosarcoma: better understanding and new options for diagnosis and treatment
A large research program is exploring the genetic drivers of leiomyosarcoma to help develop better ways to diagnose and treat this cancer.
-
Targeting DNA repair weaknesses in leiomyosarcoma
This project tests drugs that block a DNA-repair enzyme to make leiomyosarcoma tumors more sensitive to treatment for people with metastatic LMS.
-
Understanding the genes behind leiomyosarcoma to improve diagnosis and treatment
This project looks at how inherited and tumor gene changes, especially TP53 and other DNA repair genes, affect people with leiomyosarcoma to help create better tests and therapies.
-
Developing a new mouse model for a rare type of uterine cancer
This study is creating special mice that have a type of uterine cancer called leiomyosarcoma, so researchers can learn more about the disease and find better treatments for people who have it.
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.