Understanding the genes behind leiomyosarcoma to improve diagnosis and treatment
Genetics and Genomics of Leiomyosarcoma (LMS): Improved understanding of cancer biology and new approaches to diagnosis and treatment
This project looks at how inherited and tumor gene changes, especially TP53 and other DNA repair genes, affect people with leiomyosarcoma to help create better tests and therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11193247 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project brings together sarcoma doctors, geneticists, and epidemiologists to learn how gene changes drive leiomyosarcoma. Researchers will analyze tumor and blood DNA from patients, with a focus on TP53 and DNA repair genes, and link those findings to clinical information. The work combines lab experiments, genomic sequencing, and review of patient records, and may invite patients to provide tumor tissue or blood samples. The goal is to turn genetic discoveries into new diagnostic tools and treatment options that can be tested in clinics.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma — especially uterine LMS, Black American patients, and older adults who are frequently affected — or those willing to donate tumor tissue or blood are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without leiomyosarcoma or those seeking immediate therapeutic benefit should not expect direct help from this primarily genomic and translational research program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could lead to genetic tests and new targeted approaches that improve diagnosis, treatment options, and quality of life for people with leiomyosarcoma.
How similar studies have performed: Genomic studies in sarcomas have identified important driver mutations before, but translating these findings into standard diagnostics and effective targeted treatments for leiomyosarcoma is still emerging.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schuetze, Scott Michael — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Schuetze, Scott Michael
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.