Adult Leukemia Research Center: Understanding and Preventing Immune Toxicity in Adoptive Cell Therapies
Official title: Adult Leukemia Research Center
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11420371 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center are studying how the immune system reacts to advanced cell therapies for AML and multiple myeloma to prevent dangerous side effects and improve treatment success for adults over 60.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | August 28, 1997 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $4,395,431 |
| NIH project number | 5P01CA018029-50 |
| Project ID | NIH-11420371 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults over 60 with AML or multiple myeloma who are candidates for adoptive cell therapies or stem cell transplantation may benefit from the findings and future trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not undergoing adoptive cell therapies or those without access to advanced transplant options may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This grant supports projects that look at how immune cells used in therapies like CAR T and TCR-engineered T cells cause toxicity such as graft-versus-host disease and cytokine release syndrome after stem cell transplant or infusion. The work combines preclinical models to mirror clinical scenarios, aiming to uncover why infections and immune side effects occur and how to prevent them. By focusing on immune signals and pathogen- and tumor-specific responses, the research seeks new strategies to reduce toxicity while preserving anti-tumor activity for AML and myeloma patients. The goal is to translate these insights into safer, more effective treatment options for older adults who face higher risks from current therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to safer adoptive cell therapies with fewer serious immune side effects and improved control of AML and multiple myeloma in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical and early clinical work in adoptive cell therapies have shown promise in reducing toxicity, but relapse and immune complications remain challenging and require further innovative approaches.
Where this research is happening
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hill, Geoffrey Roger — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Hill, Geoffrey Roger
Related research
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-
Understanding TCRs in Leukemia to Improve Immunotherapies
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-
Targeted therapy for AML using DHODH inhibitors to boost differentiation and immune response
Aims to help adults with acute myeloid leukemia by using a special drug approach that makes cancer cells act more like normal blood cells and supports the immune system.
-
Genomics of childhood ALL across global populations
A wide-ranging study looks at how inherited genetics influence the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia around the world.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.