Targeting leukemia stem cells in acute myeloid leukemia

Therapeutic Targeting of Human AML Stem Cells

NIH-funded research University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11176372

Researchers are developing treatments that attack leukemia stem cells to help people with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11176372 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This project looks for common features of leukemia stem cells (LSCs) so treatments can target the root of AML. The team studies patient leukemia samples and laboratory models to understand LSC metabolism and how blocking the BCL2 pathway shuts down energy production in these cells. Early clinical work with BCL2 inhibitors has helped many newly diagnosed patients, but relapses still occur. Researchers are studying how resistance emerges and testing new strategies to overcome it.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with acute myeloid leukemia — especially newly diagnosed patients or those who have relapsed after prior therapy — would be most relevant for this research.

Not a fit: Patients without AML or those who are medically ineligible for targeted or experimental treatments are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce therapies that better eliminate the cells that cause relapse, improving remission duration and survival.

How similar studies have performed: BCL2 inhibitors have already shown strong activity in newly diagnosed AML patients, though relapse after initial response remains a challenge.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, 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.
Conditions Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.