Understanding how neuroblastoma starts and grows to find better treatments
Discovering mechanisms of neuroblastoma tumorigenesis to improve patient outcomes
Researchers will explore what causes neuroblastoma in children so they can create safer, more effective, and personalized treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11228532 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This program studies the cellular and genetic changes that make neuroblastoma develop and spread, using lab models and analyses of patient tumor samples. The team combines basic biology, biomarker discovery, and translational work to identify targets for new therapies. Efforts include developing targeted drugs and immune approaches such as antibody-drug conjugates and CAR-T strategies tailored to a child’s tumor. The work is collaborative and aims to move promising findings toward clinical testing at pediatric cancer centers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children and adolescents with neuroblastoma—particularly those with high-risk or metastatic disease or those who can provide tumor samples—are the most likely to participate or benefit.
Not a fit: People without neuroblastoma or those with low-risk, localized disease are unlikely to receive direct benefit from these high-risk–focused efforts.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could increase cure rates for children with high-risk neuroblastoma while reducing long-term treatment side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Some targeted drugs and early immunotherapies have shown promise in neuroblastoma, but converting lab discoveries into broadly effective, less-toxic treatments remains an ongoing challenge.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Children's Hosp of Philadelphia — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maris, John M — Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Maris, John M
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.