Targeting specific immune cells to improve treatment for acute myeloid leukemia

Myeloid cell-selective, oligonucleotide-based STAT3 inhibition combined with total marrow and lymphoid irradiation for immunotherapy of acute myeloid leukemia

NIH-funded research Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · NIH-10890879

This study is testing a new way to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by using a special combination of targeted treatments that block a protein called STAT3 along with a type of radiation therapy, to see if it can help improve survival for patients whose cancer hasn't responded to other treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBeckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Duarte, United States)
Project IDNIH-10890879 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel approach to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by combining targeted oligonucleotide-based inhibitors of the STAT3 protein with a specialized radiation therapy called total marrow and lymphoid irradiation (TMLI). The goal is to enhance the effectiveness of TMLI, which has shown promise in improving survival rates for patients with treatment-refractory AML. By specifically inhibiting STAT3 in myeloid cells, the research aims to reduce the cancer-promoting effects of these cells and improve patient outcomes. Patients may be monitored for their response to this combined treatment strategy over the course of the study.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with treatment-refractory acute myeloid leukemia who are considering allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage acute myeloid leukemia or those who are not candidates for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve survival rates and reduce relapses in patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that combining targeted therapies with radiation can improve outcomes in cancer treatment, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Duarte, 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.
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.