Hidden pre-leukemia stem cells in acute myeloid leukemia

Pre-Leukemic Hematopoietic Stem Cells in Human AML

['FUNDING_R01'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11252616

This project looks for early leukemia-linked changes in blood stem cells of adults with acute myeloid leukemia to help predict relapse and guide future care.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSTANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11252616 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Researchers will analyze bone marrow and blood samples from adults with AML using detailed genetic sequencing of individual stem cells to find mutations present before full leukemia develops. They will map how these pre-leukemic clones evolve over time and compare patients with many versus few pre-leukemic stem cells. The team will relate those findings to who relapses or survives longer to identify markers linked to worse outcomes. Ultimately the work aims to point to earlier detection methods and targets that could reduce relapse risk.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia who can provide bone marrow or blood samples, including many older patients, would be ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People without AML or patients whose leukemia lacks detectable pre-leukemic stem cells are unlikely to get direct benefit from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors predict who is at higher risk of relapse and suggest new ways to prevent recurrence.

How similar studies have performed: Previous genomic studies have identified pre-leukemic clones and linked them to higher relapse risk, but applying single-cell whole-genome tracing to patient outcomes is a newer approach.

Where this research is happening

STANFORD, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.