Donor memory-like natural killer cell therapy for AML that returns after transplant
Project 2: Memory-like NK cell therapy for AML relapsed after allogeneic transplant
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11195599
This project offers a donor immune-cell approach using memory-like natural killer (NK) cells to help control AML that comes back after an allogeneic stem-cell transplant.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11195599 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers take donor NK cells and briefly expose them to immune signals (IL-12, IL-15, IL-18) to create 'memory-like' NK cells, then give those cells to patients whose AML returned after an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant. The memory-like NK cells are meant to attack leukemia directly and release cytokines like IFN-γ that can boost donor T-cell anti-leukemia activity. Early phase 1 work from this group showed the approach was safe (no CRS, ICANS, or worsening GVHD) and produced some preliminary leukemia responses. This project aims to expand that work into early immunotherapy trials for post-transplant relapsed AML patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with AML that has relapsed after an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant who meet trial eligibility and can receive donor-derived cell therapy are the intended candidates.
Not a fit: Patients without prior allogeneic transplant, those with other blood cancers, or those with uncontrolled infections or severe organ dysfunction are unlikely to benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could induce remissions in AML that returns after transplant and improve long-term cure rates by strengthening graft-versus-leukemia effects.
How similar studies have performed: Early-phase clinical work, including the team's phase 1 trial, demonstrated safety and some leukemia responses, but larger studies are still needed to confirm effectiveness.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FEHNIGER, TODD A — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: FEHNIGER, TODD A
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.