Investigating genetic factors linked to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
Official title: Genetic Predisposition to Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11059143 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain rare genetic changes, especially in the ATM gene, might make some people more likely to develop chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and it's inviting patients with known ATM gene changes to help us learn more about how these genetics relate to CLL and family cancer history.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $591,132 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA258924-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059143 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a family history of CLL or those who have been evaluated for germline ATM variants.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a family history of CLL or those who do not carry germline ATM variants may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the genetic predisposition to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the most common leukemia in adults. It aims to identify rare genetic variants, particularly in the ATM gene, that may increase the risk of developing CLL. By enrolling patients with known germline ATM variants into a registry, the study will explore how these genetic factors relate to CLL clinical features and family cancer history. This approach combines genetic analysis with clinical data to provide insights into the hereditary nature of CLL.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better risk assessment and targeted prevention strategies for individuals at high risk of CLL.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully identified genetic variants associated with other cancers, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach to CLL.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brown, Jennifer R — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Brown, Jennifer R
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Why some early B‑cell changes progress to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
This work looks at inherited gene variants and chemical tags on DNA to find which people with monoclonal B‑cell lymphocytosis (MBL) are more likely to develop CLL.
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Investigating the genetic factors that lead to chronic lymphocytic leukemia from its precursor state.
This study is looking at how certain genes might help us understand why some people with a condition called monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) might develop chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) later on, especially focusing on African Americans, so we can find ways to better predict and prevent the disease.
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Tracing how chronic lymphocytic leukemia can change into Richter’s syndrome
A physician-scientist is studying why CLL sometimes changes into Richter’s syndrome and how this transition happens at the genetic level, with the goal of better outcomes for people living with CLL.
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Paradigm shift in managing untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia in older adults
A Mayo Clinic doctor is leading a national collaboration to advance new frontline treatments for older adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
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AVO: a new triplet therapy for untreated high-risk CLL
A new, time-limited combination therapy (acalabrutinib, venetoclax, and obinutuzumab) is being tested for people with newly diagnosed high-risk CLL to see how well it works and how safe it is.
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Rewiring cancer pathways to trigger death in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
A Stanford-led study aims to use a new class of small molecules to flip cancer-driving signals so CLL cells die, offering hope for patients who have exhausted other therapies.
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.