Blocking leukemia microenvironment and oncogene signals in high‑risk T‑cell ALL
Targeting the Microenvironment/Oncogene Cooperation to treat poor prognosis T-ALL
It looks at new ways to block supportive signals from the bone marrow and oncogene activity to help people with relapsed or high‑risk T‑cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11289316 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how T‑cell ALL cells rely on signals from their surrounding microenvironment—like Notch ligands and interleukin‑7—to grow and survive. They use patient‑derived leukemia cells and laboratory models to see how those external signals interact with oncogenic mutations such as activated Notch. The team will identify molecules and pathways that become essential when leukemia cells receive these supportive signals. Findings are intended to point to new drug targets that could be tested in future treatments for relapsed or refractory T‑ALL.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with relapsed, refractory, or high‑risk T‑cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia—especially those with Notch pathway alterations—would be the most relevant candidates for future trials based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients with B‑cell ALL, other unrelated cancers, or leukemias that do not depend on microenvironmental or Notch signaling are less likely to benefit from these specific findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targeted treatments that improve outcomes for people with relapsed or high‑risk T‑cell ALL.
How similar studies have performed: Direct Notch inhibitors have had limited clinical success, and targeting microenvironmental support is a newer, mostly preclinical approach with some promising early data but limited clinical proof so far.
Where this research is happening
Duarte, United States
- Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope — Duarte, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carlesso, Nadia — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Carlesso, Nadia
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.