Finding new ways to block a key protein involved in leukemia treatment.
Official title: Cell-Based HTS Campaign to Identify Negative Allosteric Modulators of the Leukemia-associated Tyrosine Kinase, BTK”.
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11059347 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new ways to block a protein called BTK that helps B cells grow, which can be a problem in leukemia, especially for patients who haven't responded to current treatments like Ibrutinib, with the hope of finding better and safer options for those battling B cell cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $652,558 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA297848-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059347 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with B cell malignancies, particularly those who have shown resistance to existing BTK inhibitors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with B cell malignancies who have not been treated with BTK inhibitors or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK), a protein crucial for the development of B cells, which are often implicated in leukemia. The study aims to identify negative allosteric modulators that can effectively inhibit BTK, especially in cases where patients have developed resistance to existing treatments like Ibrutinib. By utilizing advanced assays and screening techniques, the researchers will explore how to overcome drug resistance and improve treatment outcomes for patients with B cell malignancies. This could lead to the development of new therapies that are more effective and have fewer side effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for patients with B cell malignancies who have developed resistance to current therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting BTK and overcoming drug resistance, indicating that this approach could be a meaningful advancement in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johnston, Paul a. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Johnston, Paul a.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Investigating a specific type of leukemia in children caused by genetic changes.
This study is looking at how certain proteins linked to leukemia affect kids and teens with high-risk blood cancers, and the researchers hope to find new ways to treat these conditions by learning more about how the disease works.
-
Caregiver-led mobile tool to support healthy habits for kids treated for ALL
A caregiver-directed mobile program helps children who were treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia build healthier daily routines.
-
Targeting the SCP4 pathway in acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
Aims to uncover how the SCP4 signaling pathway drives AML and how it could be blocked to help patients.
-
Understanding TCRs in Leukemia to Improve Immunotherapies
A short, patient-friendly look at a project trying to map how immune cells recognize leukemia so future therapies can be better and safer for people with AML.
-
Targeted therapy for AML using DHODH inhibitors to boost differentiation and immune response
Aims to help adults with acute myeloid leukemia by using a special drug approach that makes cancer cells act more like normal blood cells and supports the immune system.
-
Genomics of childhood ALL across global populations
A wide-ranging study looks at how inherited genetics influence the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia around the world.
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.