Preventing leukemia in patients with RUNX1-FPD using tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Study of tyrosine kinase inhibitors as preventive therapy in RUNX1-FPD

NIH-funded research Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11027130

This study is looking at whether a medication called imatinib can help prevent blood cancers in people with Familial Platelet Disorder by improving how their bodies fix DNA damage caused by a gene mutation.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Worcester, United States)
Project IDNIH-11027130 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, specifically imatinib, as a preventive treatment for patients with Familial Platelet Disorder (FPD), a genetic condition that increases the risk of developing blood cancers. The study aims to understand how RUNX1 gene mutations affect the body's ability to repair DNA damage and promote the development of leukemia. By restoring the DNA damage repair response in pre-malignant cells, the researchers hope to reduce the risk of disease onset in these patients. The approach involves both laboratory experiments and potential clinical applications to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Familial Platelet Disorder who carry mutations in the RUNX1 gene.

Not a fit: Patients without RUNX1 mutations or those who do not have Familial Platelet Disorder may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly lower the risk of leukemia in patients with RUNX1-FPD, potentially extending their healthy lifespan.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using tyrosine kinase inhibitors for similar hematologic conditions, suggesting a potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

Worcester, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.