Ewing’s sarcoma is the second most common bone tumor in children and adolescents.  Patients have a poor prognosis, yet the causes of the disease are not understood.  Certain genetic changes have been linked to Ewing’s sarcoma: a specific translocation (joining of two different chromosome parts) and microsatellites (series of repeating DNA sequences).  Another reported observation is increased development of hernias in patients with this disease. 

Dr. Schiffman, a pediatric oncologist, is interested in understanding the underlying molecular genetics of Ewing’s sarcoma.  He will take a genetic epidemiologic approach to studying the disease, by examining the genes of parent-child trios: patients with Ewing’s sarcoma and their parents.  He will examine inheritance of DNA microsatellites and genetic changes associated with hernia development.  This study will identify novel genetic risk factors for Ewing’s sarcoma, which can be used for future preventative and therapeutic strategies.

 

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Project Title: "Microsatellite length and integrin signaling as risk factors for Ewing's Sarcoma"

Institution: University of Utah

Sponsor(s) / Mentor(s): Stephen L. Lessnick, MD, PhD

Cancer Type: Ewing’s Tumors

Research Area: Cancer Genetics