Understanding how certain cell states affect neuroblastoma treatment outcomes
Official title: Dissecting high-risk cell states in neuroblastoma
Funded at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-11042175 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain key proteins in neuroblastoma cancer cells affect their behavior and how they respond to chemotherapy, with the goal of finding better treatments for kids with this type of cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $592,554 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA286444-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042175 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with neuroblastoma, particularly those with high-risk or relapsed disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neuroblastoma who are not in the high-risk category or those who are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the dynamic nature of cancer cells in neuroblastoma, particularly focusing on how specific master transcription factors influence cell states and their response to chemotherapy. By studying the epigenetic control of these cell states, the research aims to uncover why some neuroblastoma cells are resistant to treatment while others are not. The approach includes using advanced techniques like genome engineering and cell state reporters to analyze the relationship between cell state and chemosensitivity. This could lead to more effective, targeted therapies for children with neuroblastoma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for neuroblastoma, potentially increasing survival rates and reducing relapse in affected children.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding cancer cell states and their impact on treatment outcomes, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Durbin, Adam David — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Durbin, Adam David
Related research
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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.