New Approaches for High-Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Official title: Targeting CDK6 expression/activity in Ph+ and Ph1-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-11125897 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks for new ways to treat aggressive forms of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in adults, especially those that are hard to treat with current medicines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $631,337 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA257251-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11125897 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is focused on adult patients with Philadelphia-positive (Ph+) or Ph1-like B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, particularly those whose disease is resistant to current therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of leukemia or those whose ALL responds well to existing treatments may not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Philadelphia-positive (Ph+) ALL and Ph1-like B-ALL are aggressive forms of adult leukemia where current treatments often fail or lead to resistance. This project aims to find better ways to fight these types of ALL by focusing on a protein called CDK6, which is important for cancer cell growth. Researchers are developing new compounds called PROTACs that can specifically target and remove CDK6 from leukemia cells, rather than just blocking its activity. This approach could offer a more lasting way to stop the cancer cells from growing and spreading.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new and more effective treatments for adults with high-risk Ph+ and Ph1-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: While current therapies for Ph+ ALL have improved outcomes, resistance is common, and Ph1-like B-ALL has a poor prognosis, indicating a strong need for novel approaches like the one proposed here.
Where this research is happening
-
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Calabretta, Bruno — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Calabretta, Bruno
Related research
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Targeting a specific protein to improve treatment for certain types of leukemia
This study is looking at new ways to treat a tough type of leukemia called Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) by focusing on a protein called CDK6, which helps cancer cells grow, to see if targeting it can make treatments work better and help prevent the cancer from coming back, and patients m
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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.