Dr. Gadek focuses on the Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway, which can be altered in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) patients. RMS is the most common soft-tissue sarcoma in children, but survival rates and treatments for high-risk patients have not improved in three decades. Dr. Gadek will examine the timing of tumor development and the role of Shh signaling in tumor location and formation. This may lead to diagnostic markers and tools for identifying high-risk patients with altered Sonic Hedgehog signaling, which could improve treatment options and outcomes.
Damon Runyon Researchers
Meet Our Scientists
Katherine E. Gadek, PhD
Project title: "Defining endothelial progenitor cell pliancy in rhabdomyosarcoma"
Institution: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Award Program: Sohn Fellow
Sponsor(s) / Mentor(s): Mark Hatley, MD, PhD, and Stacey Ogden, PhD
Cancer Type: Head and Neck Cancer, Pediatric, Sarcoma
Research Area: Developmental Biology
