Improving treatment for acute myeloid leukemia with targeted radiation and immune therapy
Myeloid cell-selective, oligonucleotide-based STAT3 inhibition combined with total marrow and lymphoid irradiation for immunotherapy of acute myeloid leukemia
This work explores a new way to treat acute myeloid leukemia that has been difficult to cure, by combining a special type of radiation with a targeted immune therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11121888 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
For patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that has not responded to previous treatments, long-term outcomes have been challenging. This approach uses a precise radiation method called total marrow and lymphoid irradiation (TMLI) to deliver high doses to leukemia cells while protecting healthy tissues. Researchers are combining TMLI with a new therapy that targets a specific protein called STAT3, which helps cancer cells resist radiation and grow. The goal is to make the radiation more effective and prevent the cancer from returning by boosting the body's immune response against leukemia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is focused on patients with acute myeloid leukemia that has not responded well to standard treatments.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of leukemia or those whose AML responds well to current therapies may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve survival rates and reduce relapses for patients with difficult-to-treat acute myeloid leukemia.
How similar studies have performed: While TMLI has shown improved survival rates in previous applications, the combination with STAT3 inhibition is a novel strategy to overcome radiation resistance and prevent relapse.
Where this research is happening
Duarte, United States
- Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope — Duarte, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kortylewski, Marcin — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Kortylewski, Marcin
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.