Combining therapies to improve treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Official title: A combination strategy to target pathophysiology of chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10767317 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) by using a mix of medicines that target how CLL cells survive, and it’s for patients who want to explore better treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $215,846 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA259749-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10767317 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia who may not have responded adequately to existing therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of blood cancers or those who have not been diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a combination of therapies targeting the survival mechanisms of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells. It focuses on the B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling pathway and the role of specific proteins that help CLL cells survive. By using a combination of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors and BCL-2 antagonists, the research aims to enhance treatment effectiveness and potentially lead to better patient outcomes. Patients may be involved in clinical trials assessing the safety and efficacy of these combined therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options and potentially higher remission rates for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar combination therapies in treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gandhi, Varsha — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Gandhi, Varsha
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Tracing how chronic lymphocytic leukemia can change into Richter’s syndrome
A physician-scientist is studying why CLL sometimes changes into Richter’s syndrome and how this transition happens at the genetic level, with the goal of better outcomes for people living with CLL.
-
Paradigm shift in managing untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia in older adults
A Mayo Clinic doctor is leading a national collaboration to advance new frontline treatments for older adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
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AVO: a new triplet therapy for untreated high-risk CLL
A new, time-limited combination therapy (acalabrutinib, venetoclax, and obinutuzumab) is being tested for people with newly diagnosed high-risk CLL to see how well it works and how safe it is.
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Rewiring cancer pathways to trigger death in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
A Stanford-led study aims to use a new class of small molecules to flip cancer-driving signals so CLL cells die, offering hope for patients who have exhausted other therapies.
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METTL3's role in driving a stubborn form of chronic lymphocytic leukemia
A cancer-related study looks at how METTL3 helps a common leukemia (CLL) grow and resist treatment, with the goal of finding better therapies.
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Understanding why BTK inhibitors stop working in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Researchers are studying why some people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia stop benefiting from BTK inhibitors and how to overcome that resistance.
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.