Using protein degradation to improve treatments for childhood tumors
Official title: PROTECT - Harnessing Protein Degradation for Advancing Childhood Tumors
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11042416 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new and better treatments for kids with solid tumors, especially brain tumors, by using cutting-edge methods to target the specific proteins that help these cancers grow, with the hope of improving survival rates and making treatments more effective for young patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $105,389 |
| NIH project number | 1OT2CA297211-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042416 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with solid tumors, particularly those that have not responded well to traditional therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with tumors that are not classified as solid tumors or those outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative treatments for childhood solid tumors, particularly brain tumors, which have seen stagnant survival rates over the past 30 years. By utilizing advanced techniques like targeted protein degradation and CRISPR-based approaches, the research aims to identify and inhibit specific proteins that drive these cancers. The project involves a collaborative team of experts in various fields, including pediatric oncology and medicinal chemistry, to create tailored therapies that address the unique biology of pediatric tumors. The goal is to transform treatment options for young patients by delivering more effective and targeted interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for childhood tumors, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for affected children.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using targeted protein degradation and CRISPR techniques for cancer treatment, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jan, Max — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Jan, Max
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.