Creating a tiny device to analyze cancer cell behavior in leukemia patients
Official title: Design of an integrated microdevice to measure malignant lipid signaling in single cells from clinical samples
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11123045 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a small device that can look closely at how certain enzymes in individual cancer cells from leukemia patients affect their response to chemotherapy, with the goal of improving treatment options for those with acute myeloid leukemia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $671,072 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA293085-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11123045 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, including both children and adults.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of leukemia or those not diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a miniaturized device that can analyze the biochemical activities of lipid-modifying enzymes in single cancer cells from patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). By using advanced engineering techniques, the project aims to create a highly sensitive and efficient tool called picoliter thin-layer chromatography (pTLC) that can be used in clinical settings. The device will allow for high-throughput analysis, helping to understand how certain enzymes contribute to chemotherapy resistance in leukemia patients. This innovative approach combines bioengineering, chemistry, and oncology to improve patient care and treatment outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment strategies for patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using miniaturized analytical devices for cancer analysis, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Allbritton, Nancy L. — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Allbritton, Nancy L.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Making genetic testing more accessible to the public
This study is all about making it easier for people at risk of certain cancers, like breast, ovarian, and colon cancers, to get genetic testing, so we can find out what helps them access these important services and understand how they can benefit from them.
-
Breast cancer diagnosis in low-resource settings using millifluidics and fast digital imaging in Ghana
A new project will test a fast, low-cost way to diagnose breast cancer at the point of care in Ghana using small-batch fluidics and direct digital imaging.
-
Binaural Hearing and Speech in Noise in Children
This project explores how children hear speech in noisy classrooms using how the two ears work together to see if binaural processing differences explain why some kids struggle more than others.
-
Neural circuits that control pain aversion in the brain
Researchers are exploring how a specific brain area helps people feel and avoid pain, with potential to lead to better pain treatments.
-
United World Antiviral Research Network (UWARN)
A collaborative, international effort is testing new virus surveillance and evolution ideas to help people living with HIV and communities in LMICs stay safer from current and emerging viruses.
-
HF endotypes in heart failure using ethical multi-modal AI and molecular data
A patient-friendly project that uses advanced AI and multiple kinds of health data to identify distinct heart failure subtypes that could guide personalized care.
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.