How bodies block leukemia cells from taking hold
Identifying host factors that block engraftment and progression of transmissible cancer as a model of AML
Scientists are using a naturally contagious clam cancer to learn how some hosts stop leukemia cells from settling and growing, with the aim of helping people with acute myeloid leukemia.
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 ID | NIH-11250048 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses a naturally transmissible cancer in soft-shell clams as a model to explore why some hosts resist engraftment while others allow tumor growth. Researchers compare tissue environments and gene activity in resistant versus susceptible clams to identify microenvironment patterns and host genes linked to engraftment and progression. They will also study how different clam populations evolved resistance to this contagious cancer to uncover protective mechanisms. The team hopes to translate those mechanisms into insights that could apply to human AML.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with acute myeloid leukemia who are interested in translational research or who might donate clinical samples for related follow-up studies would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment changes or those with cancers unrelated to AML are unlikely to receive direct short-term benefit from this basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could uncover biological pathways that stop leukemia cells from engrafting and growing, pointing to new ways to prevent relapse or spread in AML.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal-model and host-genetics research suggests host factors can influence tumor engraftment, but using a naturally contagious clam cancer as a model for AML is novel and less-tested.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- 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 below.