Finding ways to stop cancer cells from spreading in acute myeloid leukemia.
Official title: Identifying host factors that block engraftment and progression of transmissible cancer as a model of AML
Funded at Pacific Northwest Research Institute · NIH-11001145 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes and their surroundings can help stop the growth of cancer cells in people with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), using a special model from bivalves, to find new ways to treat this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pacific Northwest Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $406,685 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA255712-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001145 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia or those at risk of developing it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those without a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain host genes and pathways can prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells, specifically in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). By studying a unique model involving transmissible cancer in bivalves, researchers aim to understand the interactions between cancer cells and their environment. The study will identify which microenvironments support cancer growth and which genetic factors contribute to resistance against cancer progression. This approach could lead to innovative treatment strategies for patients with AML.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to groundbreaking new treatments that effectively prevent the spread of acute myeloid leukemia.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using transmissible cancer models is relatively novel, similar studies in other cancer types have shown promising results in understanding cancer progression and resistance.
Where this research is happening
-
Pacific Northwest Research Institute
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Metzger, Michael Jeffrey — Pacific Northwest Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Metzger, Michael Jeffrey
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.