
Elizabeth Stewart, MD (left), and Hong Wang, PhD
St. Jude scientists have completed the most complete analysis yet of the muscle and soft tissue tumor rhabdomyosarcoma. The researchers found weaknesses they can target. They also discovered a promising precision medicine for the disease.
Cure rates are 75 percent for patients whose rhabdomyosarcoma has not spread. But for children whose cancer returns or spreads, long-term survival is 30 percent or less.
Researchers learned that the two main varieties of rhabdomyosarcoma occur at different developmental times.
They also found several signaling pathways that are disrupted in tumor cells. A drug called AZD1775 inhibits an enzyme in one of these pathways. Scientists screened more than 1,700 drug-tumor combinations as part of the project. As a result, the Children’s Oncology Group expanded a clinical trial of AZD1775 to include children with high-risk rhabdomyosarcoma.
The research, part of the St. Jude–Washington University Pediatric Cancer Genome Project, appeared in the journal Cancer Cell.
More Information
-
St. Jude Newsroom
Visit the St. Jude newsroom to read our latest news, find media relations contacts and explore resources for journalists and bloggers.
-
Research at St. Jude
At St. Jude, science matters. From molecular breakthroughs to innovative therapies, our research discovers the cures of tomorrow, and saves children's lives today.
-
Research News & Publications
Browse the latest peer-reviewed articles from St. Jude investigators and clinicians, as well as breaking news, in-depth features and our Scientific Report.
-
About St. Jude
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
-
Clinical & Research Innovation
At St. Jude, we dream big, and build our research programs to match. Explore just a few of the pioneering initiatives that make St. Jude different.
-
Careers
St. Jude is a world-class research hospital seeking a diverse staff of faculty, researchers, clinicians, fundraisers and more. Find a job and help save lives.
-
Education and Training
St. Jude offers world-class scientific and clinical training experiences for fellows, students and other trainees. We also share knowledge through international outreach.