Stopping immune escape in advanced CML and MPN

Targeting Immune Escape in CML/MPN Transformation

NIH-funded research Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · NIH-11235190

This project develops treatments to revive T cells so people with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) or related myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are less likely to progress to aggressive blast-phase disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBeckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Duarte, United States)
Project IDNIH-11235190 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If you have CML or an MPN, this work aims to prevent the disease from turning into a hard-to-treat blast crisis by tackling immune problems in the bone marrow. The team studies how leukemia stem cells evade T cells and how the bone marrow niche becomes 'leukemic,' using laboratory models and patient-derived samples to analyze molecules such as miR-142. They will look for targets and therapeutic strategies that restore T-cell activity and eliminate the stem cells that drive progression. The overall aim is to develop approaches that could stop or reverse transformation to blast-phase leukemia.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with chronic-phase CML or MPN who are at risk of progression or showing early signs of transformation would be the most relevant candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with unrelated diseases or those already in advanced, refractory blast-phase disease may not receive direct benefit from this research during the funding period.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the project could lead to therapies that restore immune control and prevent or treat blast-phase transformation in CML/MPN patients.

How similar studies have performed: Related approaches targeting leukemia stem cells and boosting anti-leukemia immunity have shown promise in lab models, but applying immune reactivation specifically to prevent CML/MPN transformation remains largely experimental.

Where this research is happening

Duarte, 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.