Scientists at Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre and the University of Edinburgh will explore subtypes of primary bone cancer in the first project of its kind funded by the Bone Cancer Research Trust.
In our ten-year strategy, we outlined our commitment to representing all forms of primary bone cancer in research irrespective of their rarity.
Today, we are proud to be honouring this commitment by awarding an Ideas Grant to Dr Nezha Benabdallah and her team to study undifferentiated small round cell sarcomas (USRCS), also known as Ewing-like sarcomas.
This subtype, which affects both bone and soft tissue, is predominantly found in children and young adults — much like Ewing sarcoma. It is caused by DNA mutations that result in one of over 30 abnormalities, called oncofusions. Despite this significant diversity, Ewing-like sarcomas are grouped together and follow generalised treatment plans, leading to varying patient responses and outcomes.
Dr Benabdallah and her team will focus on an exciting new target: a protein structure called Polycomb, which acts like a controller and turns off important genes. Previous research by the group has shown that oncofusions attach to Polycomb, causing critical genes to be wrongly activated or 'switched on' leading to cancer.
Now, the research group will use funding from the Bone Cancer Research Trust to determine if targeting Polycomb could offer a more biologically informed, tailored treatment for Ewing-like sarcoma patients.
Dr Nezha Benabdallah, principal investigator at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer, shared:
My team and I are incredibly grateful for the support of the Bone Cancer Research Trust. By focusing on the underlying biology of Ewing-like sarcomas and targeting the structures impacting their function, we hope to improve survival rates and quality of life for these patients, which would not be possible without your help.
Dr Viqui Vinader, Head of Research at the Bone Cancer Research Trust, added:
We are delighted to award funding to Dr Benabdallah and her team for their vital work on Ewing-like sarcomas. The project brings us one step closer to the discovery of kinder, more effective treatments for all bone cancer patients. I would like to say a huge thank you to our supporters who are vital in helping fund such pioneering research.
It is hoped this research could lead to the discovery of compounds or drugs that can disrupt Polycomb's abnormal interactions — opening the door to kinder, more effective treatments for Ewing-like sarcoma patients.
If successful, this study has the potential to lay the groundwork for future clinical trials and could transform the treatment landscape for those affected.
To learn more about this poineering study, visit the link below: