What is MYCN Amplification?

MYCN amplification is characterized by an increase in the number of copies of the MYCN gene, leading to its overexpression. This amplification drives a cascade of molecular events that fuel rapid tumor growth, evade immune defenses, and resist conventional therapies. MYCN is particularly challenging because of its role as a master regulator of cellular processes, including:

• Cell Cycle Regulation

• Metabolic Reprogramming

• Survival Pathways

• Tumor Microenvironment Modulation

Cancers Driven by MYCN Amplification

MYCN amplification is a hallmark of various cancers, driving aggressive tumor growth, metastasis, and therapy resistance. These cancers are part of Dimer Pharmaceuticals' Platform Technology to address all MYC-N Driven Cancers.

• Neuroblastoma
  A common pediatric cancer arising in the adrenal glands or sympathetic nervous system. High-risk cases often resist therapy and have poor survival rates.

• Medulloblastoma
  A malignant brain tumor in children, originating in the cerebellum, with aggressive subtypes prone to rapid spread and long-term neurocognitive impacts.

• Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG)
  A fatal pediatric brainstem tumor affecting critical functions, with no effective treatments and a median survival of less than a year.

• Embryonal Tumor with Multilayered Rosettes (ETMR)
  A rare and fast-growing brain tumor in children, resistant to therapy and associated with poor outcomes.

• Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumors (AT/RT)
  Highly malignant brain tumors in young children with low survival rates, despite aggressive therapy.

• Pineoblastoma
  A rare tumor of the pineal gland causing headaches and hydrocephalus, with limited treatment success due to its location.

• Supratentorial Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors (sPNETs)
  Rare and aggressive brain tumors in children, often resistant to therapy with poor prognosis.

• Ependymomas
  Tumors of the brain or spinal cord lining, common in children, with frequent recurrence in higher-grade cases.

• Rhabdomyosarcoma
  A childhood soft tissue cancer, with the alveolar subtype being aggressive and prone to metastasis.

• Glioblastoma (GBM)
  An aggressive adult brain tumor known for rapid growth, resistance to treatment, and a median survival of just 15 months.

• Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
  A fast-growing, smoking-associated lung cancer with poor survival rates, often diagnosed at an advanced stage.

• Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer
  A highly aggressive prostate cancer subtype, often developing resistance to hormonal therapies.

• Prostate Adenocarcinoma
  A common prostate cancer type that is more challenging to treat in advanced or metastatic stages.

• Wilms’ Tumor
  A kidney cancer in children under five, often treatable but more aggressive in high-risk cases.

• Retinoblastoma
  A pediatric eye cancer detected by a white reflection in the pupil, with good outcomes if caught early.

• Basal Cell Carcinoma
  The most common skin cancer, usually slow-growing but occasionally aggressive in rare cases.