Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndromes Program

Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) in Leukemia

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11195589

New lab-to-clinic treatments and tests are being developed for people with leukemias and myelodysplastic syndromes, including immune cell therapies and drugs aimed at specific genetic changes.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11195589 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This program brings together doctors and scientists at Washington University to turn discoveries about leukemia genes and the immune system into new treatments patients can receive. Work includes clinical trials using CAR‑T cells for T‑cell leukemias, memory-like natural killer (NK) cell therapy for AML that returns after an allogeneic transplant, targeted drugs for myeloid diseases with splicing‑factor mutations, and agents targeting ATR in TP53‑mutated MDS/AML. The team aims to discover biomarkers to guide personalized care and to strengthen clinical and lab infrastructure so lab findings reach patients faster. Many projects combine lab research, analysis of patient samples, and early‑phase clinical trials.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal participants are people with acute leukemias or myelodysplastic syndromes, especially those with relapsed AML after transplant, T‑cell leukemias, or tumors with TP53 or splicing‑factor mutations.

Not a fit: People with non‑blood cancers or stable chronic blood disorders that do not match the specific genetic or relapse criteria are unlikely to benefit from these projects.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients could gain access to new personalized therapies and biomarkers that may reduce relapse and improve survival.

How similar studies have performed: CAR‑T therapy has produced major remissions in B‑cell leukemias, while NK cell therapies and precision drugs for splicing‑factor or TP53‑mutated myeloid diseases are promising but remain early-stage and experimental.

Where this research is happening

SAINT LOUIS, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.