Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is a rare manifestation of the genetic condition Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), however, it’s the leading cause of death for the population of people with NF1. It is a type of soft tissue sarcoma that is generally resistant to chemotherapy and radiation therapy and frequently occurs in regions of the body that preclude potentially curative resection. Because of the tremendous negative impact MPNST has on all people with NF1 (either via causing direct illness or via the burden of worry that it may develop), there are extensive research efforts underway to: 
1. Identify early stages of malignant transformation allowing for prevention of MPNST
2. Develop more accurate and targeted clinical screening for MPNST both before diagnosis and after treatment
3. Create more precise molecularly driven therapeutics based on modern preclinical models and 
4. For new therapeutics in clinical trials.