NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Memory-like NK cell therapy for AML relapse after transplant

Official title: Project 2: Memory-like NK cell therapy for AML relapsed after allogeneic transplant

Funded at Washington University · NIH-11423680 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A study exploring a novel immune therapy using donor memory-like NK cells to help people whose AML returned after a donor stem cell transplant.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project startSeptember 3, 2013
Project endJune 30, 2029
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$334,372
NIH project number5P50CA171963-13
Project IDNIH-11423680 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults with AML who have relapsed after an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant and are eligible for an immunotherapy trial.

Less likely to help

Patients without relapse after transplant or those unable to undergo an immunotherapy trial may not benefit.

What this research studies

This project aims to translate new immune insights into early-phase immunotherapy trials for AML patients who relapse after allogeneic transplant. It builds on the idea that memory-like NK cells can provide a rapid anti-leukemia effect and may support donor T cells to sustain disease control. The approach uses cytokine-activated memory-like NK cells derived from donors, tested for safety and potential effectiveness in relapsed AML post-transplant. Prior early-phase data suggested safety with signals of AML responses, guiding a continued exploration in this high-need population. The grant supports clinical trial development, translational studies, and monitoring of immune responses to understand how best to harness GVL effects while avoiding excessive toxicity.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could offer a safe, effective option to induce remissions and improve long-term outcomes for patients with AML relapse after transplant.

How similar studies have gone: Early-phase trials have shown safety and signs of AML responses with memory-like NK cells, supporting further investigation.

Where this research is happening

  • Washington University
    Saint Louis, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Fehniger, Todd a — Washington University
  • Study coordinator: Fehniger, Todd a

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.