Understanding the environment of pediatric solid tumors
Official title: Pediatric Solid Tumor Microenvironment Atlas
Funded at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles · NIH-10995230 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the special surroundings of certain childhood tumors to find out why they can be hard to treat, with the goal of discovering new ways to help kids with these cancers have better outcomes and fewer side effects from treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hospital of Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,149,870 |
| NIH project number | 1U01CA294552-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995230 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with high-risk pediatric solid tumors such as rhabdomyosarcoma, neuroblastoma, or Wilms tumors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-solid tumors or those who are not within the pediatric age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the unique characteristics of the microenvironments surrounding pediatric solid tumors, which differ from those in adult cancers. By focusing on tumors such as rhabdomyosarcoma, neuroblastoma, and Wilms tumors, the study aims to identify specific cells and mechanisms that contribute to treatment resistance. The researchers will create a Pediatric Solid Tumor Microenvironment Atlas to uncover vulnerabilities in these tumors that could be targeted for better treatment outcomes. This comprehensive approach seeks to improve survival rates and reduce treatment-related side effects for young patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for pediatric solid tumors, improving survival rates and reducing side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding tumor microenvironments, but this specific approach to pediatric solid tumors is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Asgharzadeh, Shahab — Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Asgharzadeh, Shahab
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Dual-targeted DOTA CAR T cells with image-guided monitoring for solid tumors
A Penn team is developing a controllable CAR T cell therapy for solid tumors that can be tracked with PET imaging and guided by targeted agents to improve safety and effectiveness.
-
Improving patient access to gynecologic cancer trials at UVA
This grant helps UVA boost enrollment in gynecologic and solid tumor trials so more women with gynecologic cancers can access cutting-edge therapies.
-
Tuning CAR T cells to work better in solid tumors
A cancer-immunotherapy approach uses specially trained CAR T cells designed to attack solid tumors more effectively and safely.
-
A 3D lab tool to see how solid tumors squeeze and spread
This project builds a tiny 3D device that measures how solid tumors push, deform, and let cancer cells break away, which could help people with cancers that form solid tumors.
-
Dual-target CAR T therapy with PET tracking for solid tumors
A controllable CAR T-cell treatment that doctors can track with PET scans and direct at solid tumors in adults whose cancers express folate receptors.
-
Atlas of the tumor environment in childhood cancers
This project will map the cells and signals surrounding childhood solid tumors like neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and Wilms tumor to find weaknesses that could help children with high-risk disease.
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.