Understanding the aggressive nature of a specific type of pediatric cancer.
Official title: Mechanisms of aggressive Rhabdomyosarcoma.
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11032733 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a specific change in a gene that makes rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of cancer in kids, harder to treat, and it aims to find new ways to help kids with this cancer by understanding how this change affects tumor growth and treatment resistance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $539,997 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA276116-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11032733 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, particularly those with the MYOD1L122R mutation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancers or those without the MYOD1L122R mutation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind aggressive rhabdomyosarcoma, a common pediatric soft tissue cancer. It focuses on a specific mutation, MYOD1L122R, which is linked to poor treatment outcomes. By studying how this mutation affects tumor growth and resistance to therapies, the research aims to uncover new molecular targets for treatment. The approach includes developing genetically-engineered animal models to better understand the disease's biology and identify potential new therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for children with aggressive rhabdomyosarcoma.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on MYOD1L122R in rhabdomyosarcoma is novel, similar approaches in understanding cancer mechanisms have shown promise in other studies.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Langenau, David Michael — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Langenau, David Michael
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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.