Stopping leukemia from hiding in the brain and spinal cord
Overcoming Leukemia Chemoresistance in the Central Nervous System
Trying new ways to help treatments kill acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells that get into the brain and spinal fluid in children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11314479 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are using laboratory and animal models that mimic the brain and spinal fluid environment to see how childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells survive there. They grow leukemia cells with meningeal (brain‑membrane) cells and use mouse transplant models to track where the cancer lodges and why it resists chemotherapy. The team found leukemia cells tend to attach to the meninges and that these direct interactions change cell‑death and dormancy signals to protect the leukemia. Based on those findings, they are testing ways to disrupt those protective interactions so chemotherapy can work better and potentially be less toxic.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia—especially those at risk for or showing involvement of the brain or spinal fluid—would be the primary candidates.
Not a fit: People without acute lymphoblastic leukemia or those whose cancer does not involve the central nervous system are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to treatments that prevent or better clear leukemia in the central nervous system while reducing long‑term treatment side effects for children with ALL.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab and animal studies have suggested meningeal interactions help leukemia survive, but turning these insights into clinical therapies for CNS relapse is still new.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gordon, Peter M — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Gordon, Peter M
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.