Understanding DNA Repair in Myeloid Leukemias to Improve Treatments

Cause and therapeutic impact of DNA-protein crosslink repair defect in myeloid leukemias

NIH-funded research Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11123337

This work explores how certain DNA damage is fixed in acute myeloid leukemias to help us find better ways to treat this cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project IDNIH-11123337 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Acute myeloid leukemias (AMLs) are serious blood cancers where current treatments, including chemotherapy drugs, don't always work for everyone. Many of these drugs work by creating specific types of DNA damage called DNA-protein crosslinks (DPCs) in cancer cells. This project aims to understand how these DPCs are repaired, especially those caused by common chemotherapy drugs like topotecan. By learning more about these repair processes, we hope to make existing treatments more effective and discover new treatment strategies for AML patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is relevant for patients with acute myeloid leukemia, particularly those whose cancer cells may have defects in DNA-protein crosslink repair.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer not related to myeloid leukemias or DNA-protein crosslink repair may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more effective treatments for acute myeloid leukemia by improving how existing drugs work or by identifying new drug targets.

How similar studies have performed: While the mechanisms of DPC repair are not fully understood, other studies have shown that understanding DNA repair pathways can lead to significant advancements in cancer therapy.

Where this research is happening

Rochester, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.