Using targeted therapy to treat a deadly brain tumor in children

Inducing H3F3A exon skipping with antisense oligonucleotides as an approach to treat diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma

NIH-funded research State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-11099689

This study is testing a new treatment for children with a tough brain tumor called DIPG, using special molecules to target a specific gene mutation in the tumor, with the hope of helping kids live longer and healthier lives.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionState University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stony Brook, United States)
Project IDNIH-11099689 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new treatment for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a highly aggressive brain tumor in children. The approach involves using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to induce changes in the tumor's genetic material, specifically targeting a mutation in the H3F3A gene that is common in DIPG. By doing so, the researchers aim to promote neural differentiation and potentially improve survival rates for affected children. The study builds on previous findings that showed promise in using ASOs to combat this type of cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, particularly those with the H3F3A mutation.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of brain tumors or those without the specific H3F3A mutation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a novel treatment that significantly improves survival rates for children with DIPG.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using antisense oligonucleotides for similar applications, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

Stony Brook, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.