Atreyi Dasgupta

DASGUPTA LAB

Investigating cell intrinsic and extrinsic factors driving metastasis in Ewing sarcoma.

Welcome to the Dasgupta Lab at Baylor College of Medicine, located in the Faris D. Virani Ewing Sarcoma Center of Texas Children's Hospital. We are a group of scientists, bound by our passion to cure cancer for one of the most vulnerable populations: children. Our research is dedicated toward finding a cure for metastatic Ewing Sarcoma.

research focus

Metastasis is a complex and violent process involving multiple steps and a multitude of assaults. It is intricate, and one of biology's biggest intrigue. Unfortunately, it is also one of the biggest killers. With the advent of chemotherapy, patients with localized diseases have seen a tremendous improvement in their survival rates. This is true for most cancers, including Ewing sarcoma. On the other hand, particularly for Ewing sarcoma, little to no improvement has been made for patients with metastatic or recurrent disease. The survival rate for these patients has been stuck at a devastating 25-30% for last several decades.

Our lab uses a multi-omics approach, cutting edge spatial analysis, and innovative in vivo and ex vivo model systems as tools to investigate the molecular mechanisms that drive progression and lung metastasis in Ewing sarcoma. Patient-derived tumors and metastatic cell lines developed in the lab allow us to unravel this complex process with the ultimate aim of identifying novel therapeutic targets.

PEDIATRIC CANCER

What is pediatric, adolescents and young adults (AYA) cancer?

Pediatric cancer is defined as cancers occurring in the age group of birth to 14 years. Cancer in the age group of 15-39 is termed as adolescents and young adults cancer or AYA cancer. Pediatric cancer, by definition is rare cancer.

SARCOMAS

What are Sarcomas?

Sarcomas are a broad term for cancers that develop in our connective tissues - tissues that connect and support our body's structures and organs. These can be bone, muscle, blood vessel, fat, fibrous tissues etc.

EWING SARCOMA

What is Ewing sarcoma?

Ewing sarcoma is the second most common bone tumor in children and young adults. It primarily occurs in the bone or in the soft tissue surrounding the bone. On rare occasions it can also occur in the retroperitoneal area. Ewing sarcoma is characterized by EWS::FLI1, a translocated protein.

SOBERING NUMBERS

What do the numbers tell us?

Each year, around 250 patients in the US are diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma. Those who present with metastasis at diagnosis, have a dismal 5 year survival rate - around 25% - even after a harsh therapy regimen. This number has not changed in over 40 years.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

We are intentional about fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Interested in Joining our lab or want to know more?

Write to us!