NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Genetic variant review team for myeloid blood cancers

Official title: Myeloid Malignancy Variant Curation Expert Panel

Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11124044 · Data updated 2026-11-12

Experts are reviewing inherited genetic changes that raise the risk of myeloid blood cancers so patients and families get clearer test results and care guidance.

More Malignancy research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthwestern University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project startApril 20, 2021
Project endJune 30, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$293,902
NIH project number5U24CA258118-06
Project IDNIH-11124044 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

People with myeloid blood cancers or family members who have or are suspected to have inherited variants in genes like RUNX1, DDX41, GATA2, ANKRD26, ETV6, CEBPA, SAMD9/SAMD9L, or TERT/TERC.

Less likely to help

People without suspected inherited risk for myeloid cancers, those with unrelated cancer types, or those whose findings are purely somatic mutations are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.

What this research studies

This project brings together an expert panel that standardizes how inherited genetic variants linked to myeloid blood cancers are interpreted. The team develops and refines rules for classifying variants in genes such as RUNX1, DDX41, and GATA2 and is extending rules to ANKRD26, ETV6, CEBPA, SAMD9/SAMD9L, and TERT/TERC. They incorporate family segregation data, published studies, and input from patient organizations to improve classification accuracy. The curated variant interpretations are shared publicly so clinicians, laboratories, and patients worldwide can use them.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more accurate genetic test results, clearer diagnoses, and improved family risk counseling.

How similar studies have gone: Previous work by this panel produced internationally adopted curation rules for RUNX1, demonstrating that this expert-curation approach can succeed.

Where this research is happening

  • Northwestern University
    Chicago, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Godley, Lucy Ann — Northwestern University
  • Study coordinator: Godley, Lucy Ann

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Myeloid Cancer Gene Variant Curation Expert Panel

    A patient-facing group creates and shares trusted rules for interpreting genetic variants that raise the risk of blood cancers, helping families understand their test results.

    NIH research Northwestern University · Chicago, United States · NIH-11384370

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    NIH research Boston Children's Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-11011813

  • Understanding genetic risks for blood cancers

    This study is looking at specific genetic changes that might make people more likely to develop certain blood cancers, and it aims to help patients and their families understand their risks better and find more personalized ways to manage their health.

    NIH research Northwestern University at Chicago · Chicago, United States · NIH-10887719

  • Detecting cancer risk and treatment response in NF1 nerve tumors using cfDNA markers

    A doctor-led study will test blood-based DNA markers to detect when NF1-related nerve tumors become malignant and to monitor how well treatment is working.

    NIH research Mayo Clinic Rochester · Rochester, United States · NIH-11452312

  • Epigenetic Basis for Controlling Aggressive IDH-Mutant Gliomas

    Aims to understand and shape the epigenetic changes in IDH-mutant brain tumors to restrain their growth, which could lead to new, targeted treatment options for patients.

    NIH research State University New York Stony Brook · Stony Brook, United States · NIH-11449546

  • US–East Africa center to prevent and detect virus-linked cancers in people with HIV

    This program builds a US–East Africa research network to train local investigators and improve prevention, earlier detection, and faster connection to care for virus-related cancers in people with HIV.

    NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11410166

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.