Targeting T-cell Signals for Adult T-cell Leukemia Lymphoma

Inhibition of T-cell Receptor Signaling for Treatment of Adult T-cell Leukemia Lymphoma

NIH-funded research Washington University · NIH-11129773

This project explores new ways to treat adult T-cell leukemia lymphoma by blocking specific signals within cancer cells.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11129773 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Adult T-cell leukemia lymphoma (ATLL) is a very serious blood cancer that is often hard to treat with current methods. Researchers have found that ATLL cells often have changes in a specific communication pathway, called the T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling pathway, which helps the cancer grow. This work aims to understand how these changes drive ATLL and if medicines that target this pathway, like lenalidomide, can work better when combined with standard chemotherapy. The goal is to find more effective treatments for this aggressive disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients with HTLV-1-associated adult T-cell leukemia lymphoma, particularly those who might be eligible for a Phase 1 clinical trial combining lenalidomide with EPOCH chemotherapy, would be ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients without adult T-cell leukemia lymphoma or those whose cancer does not involve the specific T-cell receptor signaling pathway mutations being targeted may not receive direct benefit from this particular approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new, more effective treatment options for patients with adult T-cell leukemia lymphoma, potentially improving outcomes where current therapies often fail.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination and targeting of this pathway in ATLL is being explored, the concept of targeting specific signaling pathways in cancer has shown success in other types of leukemia and lymphoma.

Where this research is happening

Saint Louis, 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.