Targeting a specific protein to treat a type of blood cancer

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by using engineered T cells that target the FLT3 protein, which is often found in AML cells. The approach involves creating a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that can recognize and attack these cancer cells. The researchers have shown promising results in laboratory models, where these CAR T cells improved survival rates in mice with AML. Additionally, they are exploring the use of natural killer (NK) cells that have been modified to target FLT3, potentially offering another effective treatment option.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
  Duarte, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Caligiuri, Michael a — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
• Study coordinator: Caligiuri, Michael a

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Targeting FLT3 in relapsed or hard-to-treat acute myeloid leukemia

  This project develops immune-cell therapies that aim to attack the FLT3 protein on leukemia cells for people with relapsed or treatment-resistant acute myeloid leukemia.

  NIH research Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · Duarte, United States · NIH-11172241

• Combining Ceraxa and Vinblastine to treat difficult cases of Acute Myeloid Leukemia

  This study is looking at how well a new treatment called Ceraxa works with Vinblastine for people with relapsed or hard-to-treat Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), to find the best dose and help fight cancer cells while keeping side effects low.

  NIH research Keystone Nano, INC. · State College, UNITED STATES · NIH-10704116

• Targeting the SCP4 pathway in acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

  Aims to uncover how the SCP4 signaling pathway drives AML and how it could be blocked to help patients.

  NIH research St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · Memphis, United States · NIH-11617813

• Interferon-γ plus donor immune cells to fight AML/MDS after partial donor transplant

  This project tests a therapy that adds a signaling protein, IFN-γ, with donor immune cells to help treat relapsed AML/MDS after a haploidentical stem cell transplant.

  NIH research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh, United States · NIH-11453101

• Targeting the protein housekeeping system in adult leukemia

  Researchers are testing a new approach to treat acute myeloid leukemia by disrupting how AML cells manage their proteins, with the goal of helping patients live longer and healthier lives.

  NIH research University of California, San Diego · La Jolla, United States · NIH-11452453

• Understanding how epigenetic helper proteins drive AML and how to target them

  A scientist team is studying how accessory proteins in gene-regulating complexes affect acute myeloid leukemia and whether they can be targeted for safer, more precise therapies.

  NIH research University of Alabama at Birmingham · Birmingham, United States · NIH-11448341

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.