Damon Runyon Researchers

Dr. Patel studies rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), a fast-growing childhood cancer that can spread from muscles to other parts of the body. Dr. Patel has discovered that each RMS tumor consists of different subpopulations of cells that mimic different stages of early muscle development. He will characterize how chemotherapy or radiation therapy selects for specific subpopulations of resistant cancer cells that survive treatment within both patient tissue and in patient-derived models of cancer. Using this information, Dr. Patel aims to test whether directing therapy against resistant cell subpopulations improves treatment outcomes. Ultimately, the goal of this research is to uncover novel therapeutic targets and drugs for the treatment of pediatric RMS.