Targeting tumor–immune interactions to stop Richter’s transformation in CLL
Attacking the Tumor Cell-Immune Milieu Interface to Overcome Richter's Transformation
['FUNDING_R01'] · BECKMAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE/CITY OF HOPE · NIH-11248368
This work develops lab models and treatment strategies aimed at stopping or treating Richter’s transformation in people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BECKMAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE/CITY OF HOPE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DUARTE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11248368 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, researchers are building new lab models that mimic how CLL turns into the aggressive disease called Richter’s transformation so they can study what goes wrong. They focus on a genetic switch (MYC) and a related gene (NME1) that change cancer cell metabolism and reshape the immune environment as the disease becomes more aggressive. The team will use those models to test combinations of targeted drugs and immune-based approaches that might work better than current therapies. The goal is to learn what therapies could eventually be offered in clinical trials to people with CLL who develop or are at risk for Richter’s transformation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), especially those who have progressed toward or been diagnosed with Richter’s transformation, would be the most relevant candidates for future trials stemming from this work.
Not a fit: Patients without CLL or with unrelated medical conditions are unlikely to benefit from this research, and those who are too frail for immune-based treatments may not be helped by the resulting therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new combination targeted and immunotherapy approaches that improve survival and treatment options for people with Richter’s transformation of CLL.
How similar studies have performed: Early reports of immunotherapy in Richter’s transformation have shown limited promise but results are inconsistent, so this combined targeted-plus-immune approach is relatively novel and still unproven.
Where this research is happening
DUARTE, UNITED STATES
- BECKMAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE/CITY OF HOPE — DUARTE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WANG, LILI — BECKMAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE/CITY OF HOPE
- Study coordinator: WANG, LILI
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 below.