Targeting the metabolic needs of children with acute myeloid leukemia
Official title: Exploiting the Metabolic Dependencies of Pediatric AML
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11093346 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a safe medication called atovaquone can help improve treatment for kids with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by targeting the way leukemia cells use energy, with the hope of making treatments more effective and less harmful.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | June 7, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $262,053 |
| NIH project number | 5K08CA273532-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11093346 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pediatric patients aged 0-11 years who have been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of leukemia or those outside the pediatric age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving treatment outcomes for pediatric patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by identifying and targeting the specific metabolic dependencies of leukemia cells. The approach involves using a well-tolerated drug called atovaquone to assess its effectiveness in treating AML and understanding how it affects leukemia cell metabolism. The research includes a clinical trial to incorporate atovaquone into standard treatment regimens and collect biospecimens for further analysis. The ultimate goal is to enhance cure rates while minimizing treatment-related toxicities for young patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and less toxic treatment options for children suffering from acute myeloid leukemia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic pathways in leukemia, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stevens, Alexandra — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Stevens, Alexandra
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.