Targeting resistant leukemia cells to improve treatment outcomes
Official title: IAP inhibition as a therapeutic strategy to target therapy-resistant leukemia initiating cells
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10940217 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to improve treatment for older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who struggle to respond to current therapies, especially those with a specific gene mutation, by understanding the different types of leukemia cells that make treatment less effective and finding new drugs to help overcome this resistance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 3, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $387,630 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA292432-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10940217 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, particularly those who have not responded well to current therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of leukemia or those who are not diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on acute myeloid leukemia (AML), particularly in elderly patients who often have poor treatment responses. It investigates the different types of leukemia initiating cells (LICs) that contribute to therapy resistance, especially in patients with mutations in the TP53 gene. By identifying and characterizing these LIC subtypes, the research aims to develop more effective therapies that can overcome resistance and provide longer-lasting treatment benefits. The approach includes using drugs that inhibit specific proteins involved in cell survival to enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients with therapy-resistant AML, potentially increasing survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting leukemia initiating cells, but this specific approach focusing on IAP inhibition is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Degregori, James V — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Degregori, James V
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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.