Findings & Breakthroughs

Out of thousands of compounds tested, one binds brachyury (TBXT) strongly enough to cross the challenge threshold, confirmed in 3+ repeat tests (Sep 11, 2026). Brachyury is in every chordoma, is essential for tumor survival, and is absent from normal tissue, but it has been considered 'undruggable'. More prizes remain, including a tougher second threshold.

The CF lab found that second-generation CDK7 and CDK9 inhibitors don't lower brachyury, while blocking CDK12/13 does, killing cells in 5 models. The Foundation is in talks with a company that has CDK12/13 inhibitors about a possible future trial.

Brachyury pieces shown on the tumor surface can be targeted with vaccines, antibodies, and T-cell approaches. The new Mark Foundation for Cancer Research partnership funds grants in 2027.

About 15% of patients get substantial shrinkage, sometimes lasting more than 2 years. It helps, but it isn't enough.

Dense tumor matrix and high internal pressure keep immune cells out. One idea under study is softening the tumor with enzymes first.

Chordoma doesn't have its own billing code, which makes it hard to find chordoma patients in large health-record databases. The Foundation is building its own registry.

Genetics play a role, but no environmental cause is known. Routine family screening isn't generally done.