Finding new ways to treat leukemia in the brain
Overcoming Leukemia Chemoresistance in the Central Nervous System
This study is looking at how leukemia cells in the brain can survive treatment in kids with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and it hopes to find new ways to help these young patients get better with fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10878220 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how leukemia cells survive and resist treatment in the central nervous system (CNS), particularly in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The team is using innovative laboratory techniques to study the interactions between leukemia cells and the CNS environment, including the role of cerebrospinal fluid and meningeal cells. By examining these interactions, the researchers aim to identify new therapeutic strategies that could improve treatment outcomes while reducing side effects for young patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, particularly those at risk for CNS relapse.
Not a fit: Patients with leukemia types other than acute lymphoblastic leukemia or those outside the specified age range may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and less toxic treatments for children with leukemia that has spread to the brain.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding leukemia biology in other environments, but this specific focus on the CNS is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gordon, Peter M — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Gordon, Peter M
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.