Treating AML with IDH1/2 mutations by targeting DNA repair problems

Targeting Defective DNA Damage Response Pathways in IDH1/2-mutant AML

NIH-funded research Yale University · NIH-11258988

This project looks at whether drugs that block DNA repair (PARP inhibitors) can help people with acute myeloid leukemia who have IDH1 or IDH2 mutations.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project IDNIH-11258988 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If I had AML with an IDH1 or IDH2 mutation, this work would try to exploit a weakness in my cancer's DNA repair caused by that mutation. Researchers will use lab-grown cells, animal models, and patient leukemia samples to see whether PARP inhibitors kill the cancer or make other treatments work better. They plan to test combinations with existing IDH inhibitors or other therapies to overcome resistance and reduce leftover mutant cells. The goal is to develop approaches that could move into clinical testing for people like me.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with acute myeloid leukemia whose tumors carry IDH1 or IDH2 mutations, especially those who have not had durable responses to current IDH-targeting drugs.

Not a fit: Patients without IDH1/2 mutations, those with other types of leukemia, or those unable to tolerate PARP inhibitors are unlikely to benefit from this approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new treatment combinations that more effectively eliminate IDH1/2-mutant AML cells and reduce relapses.

How similar studies have performed: Preclinical work has shown that PARP inhibitors can be effective against IDH-mutant cancers, but clinical evidence in AML is limited and combining PARP and IDH-targeted therapies is a newer strategy.

Where this research is happening

New Haven, 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.
Conditions Cancers
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.