Treating resistant cell groups in childhood T‑cell leukemia
Official title: Clonal Therapy for Pediatric T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Funded at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-11180396 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing targeted treatments to find and destroy rare, treatment‑resistant leukemia cells in children with T‑cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $528,622 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA264610-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11180396 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children with T‑cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia—especially those with relapsed or refractory disease—or families willing to provide clinical samples for research.
✕Less likely to help
Children with non‑T‑cell leukemias or those who cannot travel or provide samples are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
What this research studies
This project looks at the tiny, resistant groups of leukemia cells (called clones) that can survive chemo in children with T‑cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Scientists will use advanced DNA and RNA sequencing at the single‑cell level and computer-based systems pharmacology to map how these clones form and interact with normal cells. They will test drug combinations in lab models and patient-derived samples to find treatments that specifically target those surviving clones. The team hopes that knowing which clones drive relapse will help design therapies that lower relapse rates and reduce long-term side effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to targeted therapies that reduce relapse and lessen the need for harsh chemotherapy in children with T‑ALL.
How similar studies have gone: Single‑cell genomics and targeted-drug approaches have improved outcomes in some blood cancers, but applying clonal-targeted therapy in pediatric T‑ALL is a newer, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yu, Jiyang — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Yu, Jiyang
Related research
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Genomics of childhood ALL across global populations
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Genomics of childhood ALL across diverse populations
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Combinatorial targeting for high-risk B-cell ALL treatment
A research effort at West Virginia University is exploring a combination therapy for adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia using targeted gene silencing and a small-molecule compound to improve treatment in patients.
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Understanding why Latino children have a higher risk of childhood ALL
This project looks at why Latino children are more likely to develop acute lymphoblastic leukemia and whether genetic ancestry plays a role, with the goal of improving prevention and outcomes.
-
Targeting obesity to improve survival for children with ALL
A new approach explores whether reducing obesity-related factors can make chemotherapy work better for kids with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
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.