Targeting cancer cell death in acute leukemia using new drug approaches
Official title: Rewiring fusion oncogenes to activate apoptosis
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11034576 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new ways to help children with acute leukemia by using special drugs that can make cancer cells destroy themselves, aiming to improve current treatments and find better options just for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $135,594 |
| NIH project number | 1K99CA296700-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11034576 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with acute leukemia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those outside the specified age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative drug strategies to target and kill cancer cells in patients with acute leukemia, particularly in children. The approach involves rewiring the gene expression of cancer cells to activate their self-destruction process, known as apoptosis. By using small molecules that induce proximity, the researchers aim to enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments and create new therapies that specifically target the unique genetic features of leukemia cells. The study will involve laboratory experiments and assessments of how these new drugs affect both cancer cells and normal blood cell development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and targeted treatments for children with acute leukemia, potentially improving survival rates and reducing side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar approaches to target cancer cells, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gourisankar, Sai — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Gourisankar, Sai
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.