A molecular atlas to predict, detect, and monitor Richter's Syndrome

Generating an atlas of Richter's Syndrome: from molecular understanding to outcome prediction, detection and monitoring

NIH-funded research Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11179161

Researchers will map the genetic, epigenetic, and protein changes when chronic lymphocytic leukemia turns into Richter's Syndrome to help people with CLL get earlier detection and better treatment options.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11179161 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If you have CLL or develop Richter's Syndrome, this project collects and compares tumor and blood samples to learn what changes when CLL transforms into an aggressive lymphoma. The team will analyze hundreds of RS cases using whole-exome and RNA sequencing, chromatin-accessibility assays (ATAC-seq), and proteomic and epigenetic profiling. They will link these molecular patterns to clinical outcomes and build tools to predict who is at highest risk and to detect transformation earlier. Results will also look for molecular targets that could guide new therapies and monitoring approaches.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with a diagnosis of CLL, especially those who develop or are suspected of developing Richter's Syndrome, and patients willing to provide tumor or blood samples or share prior samples are the most relevant participants.

Not a fit: People without CLL or those needing immediate, individualized treatment rather than contributing samples or clinical data are unlikely to get direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: This work could enable earlier detection, better risk prediction, and new targeted treatment strategies for patients whose CLL becomes Richter's Syndrome.

How similar studies have performed: Large-scale genomic mapping in CLL has produced useful prognostic models, but applying a comprehensive molecular atlas approach specifically to Richter's Syndrome is relatively new.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.