Understanding the causes of Rhabdomyosarcoma and its aggressive behavior
Official title: Oncogenic Drivers of Rhabdomyosarcoma Cell State, Cancer Stem Cells and Metastasis
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11078783 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a tough type of cancer called fusion-negative rhabdomyosarcoma to find out how certain cancer cells keep growing and spreading even when treated, with the goal of creating better treatments to help patients live longer and healthier lives.
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 | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $598,671 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA269213-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078783 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with fusion-negative Rhabdomyosarcoma, particularly those who have experienced treatment resistance or metastasis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancers or those who do not have Rhabdomyosarcoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), particularly the fusion-negative subtype, which is known for its aggressive nature and poor survival rates. The team aims to identify cancer stem cells (CSCs) and the molecular pathways that allow these cells to grow and spread despite treatment. By understanding these mechanisms, the researchers hope to develop new therapies that can effectively target and eliminate these resistant cancer cells, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients. The study employs advanced techniques to analyze the genetic and molecular characteristics of these cancer cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for Rhabdomyosarcoma, improving survival rates for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting cancer stem cells in various cancers, suggesting that this approach could be effective for Rhabdomyosarcoma as well.
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Targeting how RMS cells fail to mature to slow or stop pediatric muscle cancer spread
A project to understand why a pediatric muscle cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma spreads, and to test ideas that could slow or stop it by helping cancer cells mature properly.
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What drives aggressive fusion-negative rhabdomyosarcoma and its spread
Looking at the cancer stem cells that make fusion-negative rhabdomyosarcoma grow and spread so new treatments can stop them.
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Targeting the PAX3-FOXO1 protein in a deadly childhood cancer
This study is looking at a specific protein that helps a tough childhood cancer called alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, with the goal of finding new ways to treat kids who have this illness.
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Lymph node metastasis and immune tolerance in head and neck cancer
A study in people with head and neck cancer looks at how cancer spread to lymph nodes may shape the immune system and help tumors grow.
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Genetically engineered mouse model to study and treat high-risk pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma
A research project aims to create mouse models that mimic high-risk pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma and test therapies that target the NOTCH1 pathway to slow or stop tumor growth.
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Centers studying how cancer spreads through the body
A multi-institutional project at Rockefeller University is exploring how nerves, blood vessels, lymphatics, immune cells, and metabolites influence the spread of cancer to help identify new ways to stop metastasis.
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.