Blocking PLK1 in RAS‑mutated chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
Targeting PLK1 in RAS mutant chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
People with relapsed or refractory proliferative CMML that has RAS pathway mutations will receive an oral drug called onvansertib that blocks the cell‑division protein PLK1 to look for safety and early signs of benefit.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11304074 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This is a Phase 1, early‑phase trial testing onvansertib, an oral PLK1 inhibitor, in patients with proliferative CMML that carry RAS pathway mutations. The study uses a BOIN (Bayesian Optimal Interval) dose‑finding design to identify safe dose levels and to look for preliminary anti‑leukemia activity. Participants will have regular clinic visits for drug dosing, blood tests, and bone marrow sampling for safety checks and laboratory studies of how the drug affects cancer cells. The protocol may explore combinations with hypomethylating agents and will collect samples to look for biomarkers that predict response.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with relapsed or refractory proliferative CMML who have RAS pathway mutations (for example NRAS or KRAS) and who meet the study’s health and lab criteria are the intended participants.
Not a fit: Patients without RAS pathway mutations or those with the dysplastic CMML subtype (and some with poor organ function or other active illnesses) are unlikely to benefit from this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could become a targeted treatment option that slows disease progression and offers benefit for people with RAS‑mutant pCMML.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies and early AML trials of PLK1 inhibitors have shown activity and increased sensitivity in RAS‑mutant cells, but using onvansertib specifically in RAS‑mutant pCMML is a novel, early‑phase approach.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patnaik, Mrinal Shiv — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Patnaik, Mrinal Shiv
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.