Pediatric ALL: using new targeted therapies to improve outcomes for relapsed and newly diagnosed disease
Official title: Pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Improving outcomes through incorporation of novel targeted therapies into treatment for relapsed and newly diagnosed disease
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11399083 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A pediatric oncologist-led effort is testing how using new targeted therapies, including antibody-based and CAR-T approaches, can improve outcomes for children and young people with relapsed or newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
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 start | September 19, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $172,013 |
| NIH project number | 5R50CA288324-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11399083 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children, adolescents, and young adults with high-risk or relapsed ALL who are receiving or eligible for novel targeted therapies or trials within COG/NCCTN.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose leukemia biology or health status limits eligibility for targeted therapies may see limited or no benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on children, adolescents, and young adults with high-risk or relapsed ALL and explores frontline and relapse-era use of novel treatments. It involves coordinated clinical trials through the National Clinical Trials Network and Children’s Oncology Group, with leadership in developing targeted therapies like antibody-drug conjugates and CAR-T cells. Researchers will monitor safety, toxicity, and which patients benefit most, to refine treatment plans. The work emphasizes collaboration, precision medicine, and adapting therapies to individual leukemia biology and patient characteristics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to safer, more effective ALL treatments and improved survival for children and young people with this leukemia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in ALL with antibody-drug conjugates and CAR-T therapies have shown meaningful responses in subsets of patients, supporting further development.
Where this research is happening
-
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
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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.