By Merin C. MacDonald | Date Published: May 14, 2024

Matthew Hemming and Collaborators Identify Novel Characteristics of Rare Sarcoma and Strategy for Therapeutic Targeting 

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is a rare sarcoma of which little is known. A better understanding of the biological mechanisms that drive the growth of ASPS is important for identifying potential therapeutic targets.  

In a recent study published in Cancer Research, Matthew Hemming, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology/Oncology, and collaborators from Dana Farber, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston University School of Medicine, and Cure Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma International, identified the essential role of the fusion protein ASPSCR1::TFE3 in the growth of ASPS, a chemotherapy-refractory cancer.  

Dr. Hemming and his collaborators found that the ASPSCR1::TFE3 protein activates transcriptional programs that regulate proliferation, angiogenesis, mitochondrial biogenesis, and prevent tumor cell differentiation, and can be therapeutically targeted to improve treatment.  

“We've made some considerable headway towards understanding how the fusion protein works through analyzing patient samples, engineering laboratory models, and identifying a new therapeutic strategy that is ready for translation to patients,” said Dr. Hemming.

Read the study in Cancer Research.
Learn more about Dr. Hemming's work.