New targeted treatments for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Improving outcomes through incorporation of novel targeted therapies into treatment for relapsed and newly diagnosed disease
Combining newer targeted drugs and precision medicine to help children and young adults with relapsed or high‑risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia live longer and have fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11194983 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If your child has relapsed or high‑risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), this work offers molecular screening to match patients with targeted drugs or cellular therapies through Children's Oncology Group trials. Researchers are testing treatments such as antibody‑drug conjugates and CAR‑T approaches and are enrolling patients at pediatric cancer centers. The team will closely track side effects, study which patients are most likely to experience toxicities, and use genetic and pharmacogenomic information to personalize care. The effort is run by pediatric leukemia specialists working across a national trial network to bring these options to eligible children and young adults.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children, adolescents, and young adults with newly diagnosed high‑risk or relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia who are eligible for targeted agents or cellular therapy trials at participating centers.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of leukemia, those who are medically unable to receive investigational targeted agents or CAR‑T, or those unable to access participating trial centers may not benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to more effective, less toxic treatment options and better survival for children and young adults with relapsed or high‑risk ALL.
How similar studies have performed: Drugs like inotuzumab and CD19 CAR‑T therapies have already improved outcomes for many patients with relapsed ALL, but using these agents earlier or in new combinations is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'brien, Maureen Megan — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: O'brien, Maureen Megan
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 below.