Targeting stubborn leukemia cells to improve treatment

IAP inhibition as a therapeutic strategy to target therapy-resistant leukemia initiating cells

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · NIH-11131192

This research looks for new ways to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that has become resistant to current medications, especially in older adults.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11131192 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a serious blood cancer, particularly challenging for older patients. While new treatments like venetoclax combined with other drugs have improved outcomes, many patients still don't respond well or their cancer comes back. This happens because some leukemia cells are very tough and resist therapy. Our goal is to understand these resistant cells better and find new medicines, called IAP inhibitors, that can specifically target and eliminate them.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is relevant for adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), particularly those whose disease is resistant to standard treatments or who have specific genetic mutations like TP53.

Not a fit: Patients without AML or those whose leukemia responds well to existing therapies may not directly benefit from this specific research focus.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more effective and lasting treatments for patients with AML, especially those whose cancer resists current therapies or has specific genetic mutations.

How similar studies have performed: While current therapies like venetoclax have shown success, this research explores a novel approach using IAP inhibition to overcome resistance in specific leukemia cell types.

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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

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.