Targeting a growth factor to improve treatment for acute myeloid leukemia.
Official title: Targeting Autocrine Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) Production as a Therapeutic Modality in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10751039 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special protein called hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) affects the survival of leukemia cells in older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and it aims to see if blocking HGF with a specific treatment can help improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy and overall outcomes for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | December 8, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $177,115 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA263337-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10751039 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, particularly those who have not responded well to standard treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of leukemia or those who are not eligible for chemotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a serious blood cancer that often has poor outcomes, especially in older patients. The study investigates the role of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in the survival of leukemia cells and aims to use a monoclonal antibody to inhibit HGF in combination with chemotherapy. By analyzing blood samples from patients, the researchers hope to identify biomarkers that predict treatment response and improve patient outcomes. The approach is based on previous findings that showed promising clinical responses when targeting HGF.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with acute myeloid leukemia, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches targeting the HGF/c-MET axis in leukemia treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Victoria — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Wang, Victoria
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Improving Targeted Therapies through Genetically Defined PDX Models
Researchers are using patient-like leukemia models to develop therapies that target specific genetic features of AML to improve survival.
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A broader genomic risk picture to guide AML treatment
AIM to refine how genetic information guides treatment decisions for adults with acute myeloid leukemia by looking at how inherited and recurrent mutations affect risk.
-
RNA Polymerase II as a Therapeutic Target in AML with RAS Activation
This project explores a new way to treat a common type of blood cancer (AML) by blocking a key machinery (RNA Polymerase II) that cancer cells use when the RAS signaling pathway is overactive.
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SHP2 and BCL2 inhibitors together for AML growth and resistance
A patient-focused look at whether combining SHP2 inhibitors with a BCL2 inhibitor can slow or stop AML, especially in people whose disease has FLT3 or KIT mutations.
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Targeting RNA polymerase II in AML with RAS pathway activation
This project tests drugs that block RNA polymerase II to help people whose acute myeloid leukemia has RAS pathway activation and is resistant to FLT3 inhibitors.
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New treatment approach for myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia
This project aims to develop a new antibody-based therapy to help people with MDS or AML, especially older or frail patients who cannot tolerate high-dose chemotherapy.
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.