Targeting the root cells of acute myeloid leukemia
Official title: Targeting leukemic stem cells in acute myeloid leukemia
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10987026 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new ways to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by targeting the stubborn cells that help the cancer come back, with the goal of making treatments more effective for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $422,159 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA275964-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10987026 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia who have not responded well to existing treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of leukemia or those who have already achieved remission from acute myeloid leukemia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a type of blood cancer that is sustained by a small group of cells known as leukemia stem cells (LSCs). These LSCs are resistant to current treatments and are responsible for relapses in patients. The researchers aim to develop new therapies that specifically target the unique characteristics of LSCs, utilizing a novel approach that involves inducing bioenergetic stress to trigger differentiation and cell cycle arrest in these cells. By understanding how to effectively eliminate LSCs, the research hopes to improve treatment outcomes for AML patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for acute myeloid leukemia, potentially reducing relapses and improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: While targeting leukemia stem cells is a relatively novel approach, preliminary studies have shown promise in similar strategies, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Qu, Cheng-Kui — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Qu, Cheng-Kui
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Targeting the SCP4 pathway in acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
Aims to uncover how the SCP4 signaling pathway drives AML and how it could be blocked to help patients.
-
Interferon-γ plus donor immune cells to fight AML/MDS after partial donor transplant
This project tests a therapy that adds a signaling protein, IFN-γ, with donor immune cells to help treat relapsed AML/MDS after a haploidentical stem cell transplant.
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Targeting the protein housekeeping system in adult leukemia
Researchers are testing a new approach to treat acute myeloid leukemia by disrupting how AML cells manage their proteins, with the goal of helping patients live longer and healthier lives.
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Understanding how epigenetic helper proteins drive AML and how to target them
A scientist team is studying how accessory proteins in gene-regulating complexes affect acute myeloid leukemia and whether they can be targeted for safer, more precise therapies.
-
Targeting FLVCR1-enabled choline use in a aggressive AML subtype
A new approach aims to block how a specific leukemia subtype (CG-AML) takes up choline to feed its growth, potentially slowing or stopping the disease.
-
Advancing CD70-targeted CAR-NK Therapy for AML
A patient-focused look at a new cell therapy that uses engineered NK cells to target AML by hitting CD70, aiming to reduce relapse with potentially fewer blood cell problems.
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.