Early detection of treatment response in myelofibrosis using a new imaging technology
Official title: Early detection of treatment response in myelofibrosis by polarization-sensitive mid-infrared spectroscopic imaging
Funded at University of Houston · NIH-11384215 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, quick imaging method could tell patients with myelofibrosis early whether a treatment is working.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $670,458 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL173597-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384215 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with myelofibrosis who are undergoing or considered for JAK2 inhibitor therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not eligible for the imaging approach or whose disease biology does not fit the method may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to replace the slow, traditional bone marrow biopsy review with a fast, observer‑independent imaging tool that can identify non-responders within six months. It focuses on pinpointing critical bone marrow areas and recognizing abnormal tissue patterns to determine treatment effectiveness sooner. The approach uses polarization-sensitive mid-infrared spectroscopic imaging to provide quantitative results without labels, potentially guiding earlier treatment decisions. If successful, patients could avoid prolonged exposure to ineffective therapies and pursue better options sooner.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could learn earlier whether their current treatment is helping and switch to better options sooner, improving outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous methods rely on slower histopathology; this project tests a faster, observer‑independent imaging approach, which is a novel direction.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reddy, Rohith — University of Houston
- Study coordinator: Reddy, Rohith
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Strategies to deplete myelofibrosis stem cells using HDM2/p53 pathway
A patient-focused program tests a therapy that may selectively reduce disease-causing blood stem cells in people with myelofibrosis.
-
Megakaryocyte changes in myelofibrosis and its progression to leukemia
A scientist-guided project will study how abnormal megakaryocytes and signals like TGF-β and IL-13 may drive progression from myelofibrosis toward acute leukemia, with potential implications for future treatments.
-
Molecular clues and new therapies for myelofibrosis and related blood cancers
This grant supports research to understand what drives myelofibrosis and related disorders and to develop new treatment ideas for patients.
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Myelofibrosis and the bone marrow environment: how inflammation changes blood production
A doctor-researcher is studying how inflammation in the bone marrow affects the blood-forming system in people with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) to find ways to prevent scarring and leukemia.
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MYC-driven vulnerability in myelofibrosis could guide new therapies
A new project is exploring how the MYC protein contributes to myelofibrosis and whether it can be targeted to help people with this blood cancer.
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MRI markers to monitor bone marrow in myelofibrosis
Advanced MRI scans will be used to see bone marrow changes in people with myelofibrosis so doctors can tell sooner whether new targeted drugs are working.
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.