Understanding the origins of specific types of childhood brain tumors.
Official title: Mapping the Cerebellar Origins of Medulloblastoma Subgroups
Funded at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-11019842 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how a type of brain cancer called medulloblastoma starts in kids, especially focusing on the less understood groups, to find better ways to treat it and help children who are affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | February 16, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $688,762 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA270785-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11019842 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who have been diagnosed with medulloblastoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates medulloblastoma, a type of aggressive brain cancer in children, by exploring the cellular origins of its subgroups. The team will utilize advanced genomic techniques and mouse models to identify how these tumors develop from specific brain cells in the cerebellum. By focusing on the least understood subgroups, Group 3 and Group 4, the research aims to uncover critical insights that could lead to better-targeted therapies for affected children. The findings may help in creating more effective treatment strategies tailored to the unique characteristics of each tumor subgroup.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options and outcomes for children diagnosed with medulloblastoma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding other subgroups of medulloblastoma, but the specific focus on Group 3 and Group 4 is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Northcott, Paul — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Northcott, Paul
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Glial origins and signaling in childhood brain cancer (medulloblastoma)
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-
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-
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Efflux-aware brain barrier model to guide pediatric medulloblastoma drug discovery
A study using a pediatric brain cancer model to test how radiation-activated digoxin-like compounds could safely reach brain tumors in children.
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Overcoming medulloblastoma resistance in kids using in vivo perturb-seq and preclinical therapies
A patient-focused study aiming to find new, less toxic ways to treat pediatric medulloblastoma by using advanced genetic screening to identify effective drug targets in preclinical models.
-
Dysregulation of a key gene complex and its role in Group 4 medulloblastoma
A study explores how disruption of a core gene complex in brain development may drive Group 4 medulloblastoma and seeks to understand new ways to help affected children.
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.