Blocking bone marrow signals that help acute myeloid leukemia grow
Targeting Microenvironmental Signals in Myeloid Malignancies
Researchers are testing ways to block signals from the bone marrow that help acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells survive and resist treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11212500 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how leukemia stem cells get survival and growth signals from nearby bone marrow cells, including blood-vessel lining cells and bone-forming progenitors. The team analyzes patient leukemia samples and uses lab-grown cells and animal models to find the surface proteins and signaling molecules that let leukemia cells stick to and receive support from the niche. They will try blocking those interactions in the lab to see whether leukemia cells become more sensitive to existing therapies. If people take part, they may be asked to provide blood or bone marrow samples to help identify potential treatment targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with active acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or blast-crisis chronic myeloid leukemia (bcCML), particularly those with relapsed or treatment-resistant disease, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People with non-myeloid blood cancers (such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia), solid tumors, or those in long-term AML remission are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that make AML cells more vulnerable to therapy and reduce relapse.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical lab studies support the idea that disrupting leukemia–niche interactions can weaken leukemia stem cells, but patient-level clinical success remains limited so far.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bajaj, Jeevisha — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Bajaj, Jeevisha
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 below.