Targeting early abnormal blood stem cells that lead to leukemia

Molecular and Cellular Regulation of Pre-Leukemic Stem Cells and their Therapeutic Targeting

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · NIH-11161513

This project seeks to find what makes early abnormal blood stem cells in MDS and AML grow and how to target them so people with or at risk for these leukemias can get better treatments.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BRONX, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11161513 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

If you take part or donate blood or bone marrow samples, researchers will examine pre-leukemic stem cells that carry early mutations to see which genes and transcription factors drive their behavior. They will use patient samples alongside laboratory models and genetic tools to test which pathways let these cells survive and resist treatment. The team will compare different cell subclones from patients to map how diversity in these stem cells links to disease progression and therapy failure. Promising targets found in the lab will be tested with drugs in models as a step toward future clinical trials.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), early-stage acute myeloid leukemia (AML), or high-risk blood abnormalities would be the most likely candidates for related future studies or for donating samples.

Not a fit: People without MDS, AML, or related blood disorders are unlikely to benefit directly or be eligible to participate in this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that eliminate pre-leukemic cells, prevent progression to AML, and improve survival and remission rates.

How similar studies have performed: Prior research has identified pre-leukemic stem cells and shown promise in targeting them in lab models, but translating these findings into widely effective clinical treatments remains limited.

Where this research is happening

BRONX, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Disease, Disease remission, Disorder, Dysmyelopoietic Syndromes

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.