Targeting PI3K‑gamma in myeloid blood cancers
Lineage-specific signaling and targeting of PI3K gamma in myeloid malignancies
This work looks at whether blocking a protein called PI3K‑gamma can lead to safer, more effective treatments for adults with myeloid blood cancers like AML, MDS, or CML.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11474005 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient viewpoint, the researchers are studying how PI3K‑gamma helps drive cancers that come from myeloid blood cells and whether turning it off can stop disease growth. They will use laboratory models together with human-derived samples to compare how different myeloid cancers respond. The team aims to identify lineage-specific vulnerabilities that could be targeted with drugs that have narrower side effects. If promising targets are found, this could guide development of new therapies tested in future clinical trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (typically 21+) diagnosed with myeloid malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), or myeloproliferative neoplasms (including CML/primary myelofibrosis), or adults willing to donate blood or marrow samples.
Not a fit: People with non‑myeloid (lymphoid) leukemias, unrelated solid tumors, or those unable to provide samples or travel to the study site are unlikely to benefit directly from this grant's work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could enable more targeted treatments for myeloid leukemias with fewer side effects and longer disease control.
How similar studies have performed: Drugs that target lineage-specific proteins (for example BTK or PI3Kδ in B‑cell cancers) have transformed some blood cancers, but targeting PI3K‑gamma in myeloid malignancies is a newer approach with limited clinical data so far.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wood, Kris C. — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Wood, Kris C.
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 below.