Metabolic drivers of B-ALL diversity and relapse risk
Official title: Metabolic Drivers of VDJ Diversity in B-ALL: Implications for MRD Detection and Relapse
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11434237 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at Stanford will explore how diverse B-cell receptor rearrangements and their metabolism shape relapse risk in children and adults with B-ALL, with the goal of improving detection and treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | August 3, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $676,748 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA316658-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11434237 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with B-ALL (both pediatric and adult) who have or are at risk of relapse and are participating in MRD testing or treatment programs.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without detectable VDJ diversity or those not undergoing MRD-focused care may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how subclonal B-cell IGH rearrangements (VDJ diversity) may hide residual leukemia and contribute to relapse after treatment. Researchers will analyze high-throughput sequencing data from patients to identify metabolic and signaling patterns linked to these diverse cell populations. They will test whether interfering with key metabolic pathways could reduce relapse-prone cells and improve monitoring. The work combines genomics, metabolism, and clinical outcomes to suggest new strategies for MRD detection and therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to better MRD detection and new treatments that prevent relapse for children and adults with B-ALL.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data show VDJ-diverse subclones relate to poorer outcomes and MRD invisibility, supporting a continuation of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Davis, Kara Lynn — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Davis, Kara Lynn
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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.