$150,000 to the Knight Cancer Institute/OHSU for Osteosarcoma research

Dr. Davies’ lab is uncovering how osteosarcoma cells survive and grow by communicating with
nearby lung tissue from the earliest stages of metastasis. They’ve shown that blocking this
interaction with targeted drugs can shrink or even eliminate early and established tumors in
preclinical models. Yet, some stubborn cells persist—mirroring what patients face in real life and
contributing to low survival rates. This project builds on their groundbreaking work, using
advanced tissue models and live-cell imaging to identify the pathways that let these persister
cells hang on, with the goal of finding new ways to wipe them out.

‍
This research is a significant expansion of osteosarcoma research efforts at OHSU’s Knight
Cancer Institute, now teaming up with CEDAR (Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research). In
this world-class multidisciplinary, collaborative environment, researchers have access to state-
of-the-art tools and technology—making it possible to run complex experiments faster and at a
fraction of the usual cost. With support from SDF, these resources are now being directed
toward childhood, adolescent, and young adult sarcoma research, accelerating discoveries that
could transform how we detect and treat some of the most devastating cancers young people
face.

‍