Investigating the effects of Agent Orange and burn pit exposure on blood cancers.
Official title: Epigenetic Dysregulation, Genetic Mutations, And Outcomes Of Lymphoid Malignancies Related To Agent Orange And Burn Pit Exposures Compared To Unexposed Case-Matched Controls
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-11070205 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how exposure to harmful substances like Agent Orange and burn pit smoke might lead to blood cancers in both military and civilian people, and it aims to understand the biological changes that happen in the body as a result.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Long Beach, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2CX002437-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070205 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include military personnel and civilians who have been exposed to Agent Orange or burn pit smoke and are experiencing symptoms related to blood cancers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to Agent Orange or burn pit smoke and do not have lymphoid malignancies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines how environmental toxins, specifically Agent Orange and smoke from burn pits, contribute to the development of blood cancers in military and civilian populations. It focuses on the biological mechanisms, including genetic mutations and epigenetic changes, that may lead to lymphoid malignancies. By comparing affected individuals to case-matched controls who were not exposed, the study aims to uncover critical insights into the long-term health impacts of these exposures. Patients may undergo blood tests and biopsies to analyze biomarkers and genetic factors associated with these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients with lymphoid malignancies linked to environmental exposures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that environmental carcinogens can significantly impact cancer development, suggesting that this study's approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Administration
Long Beach, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ma, Helen — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Ma, Helen
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.