Finding genetic differences that affect survival after blood and marrow transplant

Multi-ethnic high-throughput study to identify novel non-HLA genetic contributors to mortality after blood and marrow transplantation

NIH-funded research Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp · NIH-11131211

This project looks for genetic differences beyond HLA that might explain why some people die within a year after an allogeneic blood and marrow transplant.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRoswell Park Cancer Institute Corp NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Buffalo, United States)
Project IDNIH-11131211 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

From a patient's point of view, researchers are comparing DNA from donors and transplant recipients across multiple ancestries to find non-HLA genetic variants linked to survival after transplant. They will use whole-exome sequencing and large-scale genome scans (GWAS) combined with existing transplant datasets to search for both rare and common variants. The team will study donor-recipient genotype mismatches as well as genes previously flagged in European American patients, and expand analyses to under-studied populations. Ultimately they plan to build clinical-genomic risk models that could be used to guide donor choice and post-transplant care.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People who have had or are planning an allogeneic (donor) blood or marrow transplant, especially those with HLA-matched unrelated donors and from diverse racial or ethnic backgrounds, are the most relevant candidates.

Not a fit: People receiving autologous transplants, those without an identifiable donor, or individuals whose donor/recipient DNA cannot be obtained are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to genetic tests or risk tools that help choose safer donors and personalize care to lower transplant-related deaths.

How similar studies have performed: Previous GWAS and exome-wide studies by this group found donor loci and rare variants tied to mortality in European American patients, but applying these approaches broadly across diverse populations is relatively new.

Where this research is happening

Buffalo, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.