Research Programs
Clinical Research
The Spence Family Synovial Sarcoma Foundation is driving groundbreaking research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) in collaboration with Penn Medicine. This research, led by Dr. Theodore Laetsch is focused on developing innovative treatments for both children and adults with synovial sarcoma by leveraging cutting-edge laboratory models and emerging therapies.
By using a combination of patient-derived tumor samples, live mouse models (PDX), and advanced 3D organoid models, the team is identifying promising new treatments and refining personalized therapeutic strategies.
Targeting the RALDH Enzyme: Testing FDA-approved and experimental drugs designed to block the RALDH enzyme, which prevents cancer cell death. If successful, one of these treatments may enter clinical trials within the next 18 months.
Patient-Derived Xenografts (PDX): Growing synovial sarcoma tumors in the lab and transplanting patient tumor samples into mice to test treatment responses in a model that closely mimics human disease.
Genetic & Epigenetic Research: Identifying critical genetic and epigenetic features of synovial sarcoma to uncover new drug targets and better understand tumor growth mechanisms.
Beyond laboratory studies, the team is actively exploring next-generation immunotherapies and targeted drugs that address the specific vulnerabilities of synovial sarcoma:
TCR T-Cell Therapy: CHOP is participating in trials of T-cell receptor (TCR) therapy, which has shown promising results in targeting synovial sarcoma cells. These engineered immune cells are designed to recognize and attack cancer with greater precision.
Precision Medicine Approaches:
Investigating targeted therapies that exploit the tumor’s genetic and molecular weaknesses to develop more effective, less toxic treatments.
New clinical trials: Ongoing studies, including TCR therapies and epigenetic inhibitors, aim to provide improved treatment options, particularly for patients with advanced or relapsed disease.
Expanding research collaborations: Through partnerships with Penn Medicine and other leading institutions, CHOP researchers are working to accelerate the development of breakthrough therapies.
A focus on both pediatric & adult care: The goal is to develop effective therapies for patients of all ages, ensuring that children, adolescents, and adults benefit from the latest advancements in synovial sarcoma treatment.
TumorGlow
Learn more about transformative Surgical Care for Sarcoma Patients
TumorGlow® combines two revolutionary innovations:
- A Fluorescent Contrast Agent: Injected into the patient, this agent selectively accumulates in tumor tissues, allowing them to glow under near-infrared light.
- Advanced Imaging Systems: These systems detect glowing tumors, highlighting precise tumor margins, lymph nodes with cancer, and satellite metastases.
Research led by Dr. Sunil Singhal at The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania has shown that TumorGlow® enables surgeons to detect previously hidden tumor deposits, improve surgical accuracy, and increase the likelihood of achieving negative margins, all of which are critical for better outcomes.
The CHOP Pediatric Trial
The CHOP pilot study will enroll 20 pediatric patients (under 18 years old) over five years. Participants will receive an infusion of TumorGlow® (indocyanine green) the day before surgery. During their procedure, the glowing tumors will guide surgeons in locating tumor nodules, achieving clean margins, and identifying unexpected lesions.
The trial aims to:
1. Prove that TumorGlow® is safe and effective for children.
2. Demonstrate that this technology enhances surgical precision, improving long-term outcomes for pediatric sarcoma patients.
3. Enhance the usage of TumorGlow® for all sarcoma patients.
This trial complements a five-year, Phase 3 randomized clinical trial for adults at HUP.
Designed with FDA input, the adult study aims to definitively prove TumorGlow’s ability to improve surgical outcomes.
Together, these two complementary studies will generate critical data on TumorGlow’s efficacy across age groups and help make this innovative technology a standard tool for sarcoma surgeries.
SSF Registry
Join our registry to help advance research and improve outcomes for both children and adults.
Launched in 2023, the Synovial Sarcoma Registry and Biospecimen Repository is funded by the Synovial Sarcoma Foundation and housed at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). In partnership with Penn Medicine, this first-of-its-kind initiative is dedicated exclusively to synovial sarcoma, serving as a centralized resource to advance research and improve outcomes for both children and adults.
The Registry collects and consolidates clinical data, treatment details, imaging, genomic information, and biospecimens from consenting patients across the U.S. This comprehensive dataset provides researchers and clinicians with critical insights into how synovial sarcoma develops, progresses, and responds to treatment. Broad participation is essential to driving groundbreaking discoveries and accelerating the development of new therapies.
This study is open to anyone treated in the United States—travel to Philadelphia is NOT required.
Register: Complete the secure registration form: https://redcap.link/synovialregistryconsent
More Information: https://www.research.chop.edu/synovial-sarcoma-registry-biospecimen-repository
Email: synovialsarcomaregistry@chop.edu
Phone: 267-827-8145
All coordination and sample collections are managed by the study team at no cost to patients. Participation is voluntary and will not affect medical care at CHOP, Penn Medicine or any other institution. You may withdraw at any time.
- Provide data on your cancer treatment and agree to let the study team review your health records. The team will request records from your medical providers.
- Submit saliva and/or buccal (cheek) swab sample for analysis.
- Provide blood sample which will be collected during a routine clinical draw.
- Agree to have leftover tumor tissue stored in a repository at CHOP—a small sample (not the entire tumor) will be requested for research.
- Have genetic testing done on your provided biospecimens.
New clinical trials: Ongoing studies, including TCR therapies and epigenetic inhibitors, aim to provide improved treatment options, particularly for patients with advanced or relapsed disease.
Expanding research collaborations: Through partnerships with Penn Medicine and other leading institutions, CHOP researchers are working to accelerate the development of breakthrough therapies.
A focus on both pediatric & adult care: The goal is to develop effective therapies for patients of all ages, ensuring that children, adolescents, and adults benefit from the latest advancements in synovial sarcoma treatment.