Targeting a specific protein to improve treatment for certain types of leukemia
Official title: Targeting CDK6 expression/activity in Ph+ and Ph1-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-10867341 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new ways to treat a tough type of leukemia called Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) by focusing on a protein called CDK6, which helps cancer cells grow, to see if targeting it can make treatments work better and help prevent the cancer from coming back, and patients may have the chance to participate in trials to test these new approaches.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $599,770 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA257251-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10867341 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia or Ph1-like B-ALL.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of leukemia or those who do not have Philadelphia-positive or Ph1-like characteristics may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) and Ph1-like B-ALL, which are high-risk forms of leukemia in adults. The study aims to investigate the role of CDK6, a protein that is crucial for the growth of these cancer cells, and how targeting it can improve treatment outcomes. By using innovative techniques to degrade CDK6 specifically, the researchers hope to enhance the effectiveness of existing therapies and reduce the chances of disease relapse. Patients may be involved in trials assessing the safety and efficacy of these new treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with Ph+ ALL and Ph1-like B-ALL, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in targeting CDK6 in similar leukemia types, indicating a potential for success with this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Calabretta, Bruno — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Calabretta, Bruno
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Disparities in childhood ALL: how patients' reports, biology, and neighborhoods shape outcomes
This project explores why Latino children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia have worse outcomes by looking at patient-reported experiences, epigenetic patterns, and neighborhood factors.
-
New Approaches for High-Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
This project looks for new ways to treat aggressive forms of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in adults, especially those that are hard to treat with current medicines.
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Caregiver-led mobile tool to support healthy habits for kids treated for ALL
A caregiver-directed mobile program helps children who were treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia build healthier daily routines.
-
Genomics of childhood ALL across global populations
A wide-ranging study looks at how inherited genetics influence the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia around the world.
-
Genomics of childhood ALL across diverse populations
A large international study will look at why children everywhere get acute lymphoblastic leukemia and how genetics may influence risk.
-
Combinatorial targeting for high-risk B-cell ALL treatment
A research effort at West Virginia University is exploring a combination therapy for adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia using targeted gene silencing and a small-molecule compound to improve treatment in patients.
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.