Funded Grants

F.L.A.G. GRANT

Grantee: Mayo Clinic
Project Lead: Frank Huang, PHD 
Grant Title: Radiation-Activated Pro-Digoxin for Tumor-Confined Radiosensitization in Medulloblastoma 
Grant Type: F.L.A.G Grant
Year Awarded: 2026 -2027
Amount: $50,000
Duration: 1 year

Summary: Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. Radiation therapy is an important treatment, but it can damage the developing brain. This project will test a “smart” version of digoxin, a long-used heart medicine we previously identified as a promising treatment for medulloblastoma. This new prodrug is designed to stay mostly inactive in the body and become active mainly where radiation is delivered, helping kill tumor cells while reducing harm to the heart and healthy brain. We will test this approach in mouse models of aggressive medulloblastoma. If successful, this work could lead to a safer and more effective way to improve radiation therapy for children with medulloblastoma.