Improving treatments for acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) Research Project

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11135489

This program will use patient-derived leukemia samples and lab models to develop targeted treatments for people with genetically defined AML.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11135489 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Researchers are collecting and standardizing large numbers of patient-derived AML samples and building mouse and lab models that reflect specific genetic subtypes. They will test targeted drugs and drug combinations in these patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models to see which genetic changes respond best. The team plans to link model results to genetic features so promising therapies can be moved toward clinical trials for patients with matching AML genetics.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with a diagnosis of AML—especially those whose leukemia carries known genetic mutations—who can provide tumor samples or be considered for future trials would be most relevant to this work.

Not a fit: People without AML, or patients whose leukemia lacks the targeted genetic alterations or who cannot provide samples, are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Could identify targeted drugs or combinations that produce better responses for people with specific AML genetic subtypes.

How similar studies have performed: Targeted drugs such as FLT3 and IDH inhibitors have produced meaningful responses in AML but have not cured most patients, and using patient-derived models to guide therapy is a known but still improving approach.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, 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.
Conditions Cancer GenesCancer-Promoting GeneCancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.