Personalized timing of stem cell transplant for chronic myeloid leukemia using biomarker trends
Optimizing treatment decision by accounting for longitudinal biomarker trajectories and competing risks of each individual
This work aims to help determine the best time for people with chronic myeloid leukemia to get a stem cell transplant by using their repeated lab marker results and other risks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11317178 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, researchers are building new statistical tools that use repeated biomarker measurements (like blood test trends) and account for other health risks to guide when a stem cell transplant might be most helpful. They will combine information from a series of linked models instead of relying on a single approach, because the best timing likely differs for each person. The work focuses on chronic myeloid leukemia, where transplants can cure disease but also carry serious risks, so safer timing decisions matter a lot. The team will use existing patient records and lab data to create methods that could inform future clinical choices.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with chronic myeloid leukemia who have serial biomarker measurements over time (for example regular BCR-ABL levels) and who are being followed about whether and when to consider a stem cell transplant.
Not a fit: People without CML, those not followed with repeated biomarker testing, or patients whose transplant decision is already finalized are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help patients and doctors choose the transplant timing that best balances chances of cure against the procedure's risks.
How similar studies have performed: Related statistical methods for personalized treatment timing exist in other settings, but applying them specifically to stem-cell transplant timing in CML with competing risks is a novel application that has not yet been proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Xuelin — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Huang, Xuelin
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.