NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding environmental risks for blood cancers

Official title: Mapping the blood cancer exposome for environmental risk profiles of mature B-cell neoplasms

Funded at Emory University · NIH-10810720 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how things in our environment might increase the risk of developing certain blood cancers, like non-Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma, by analyzing blood samples from patients to find clues that could help us understand this connection better.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEmory University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Atlanta, United States)
Project startFebruary 25, 2022
Project endNovember 30, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$545,260
NIH project number5R01ES032831-03
Project IDNIH-10810720 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a family history of blood cancers or those who have been exposed to various environmental factors.

Less likely to help

Patients with blood cancers that are not classified as mature B-cell neoplasms may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how environmental factors contribute to the risk of developing mature B-cell neoplasms, such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma. By using advanced mass spectrometry techniques, the study aims to identify and characterize the cumulative environmental exposures that may influence the development of these cancers. Patients will be involved in a nested case-control study, where their blood samples will be analyzed to uncover potential biomarkers linked to these diseases. The goal is to provide a clearer understanding of how environmental factors interact with genetic predispositions to affect cancer risk.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies and targeted interventions for patients at risk of blood cancers.

How similar studies have gone: While the approach of mapping the exposome is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in identifying environmental risk factors for other cancers.

Where this research is happening

  • Emory University
    Atlanta, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Walker, Douglas Ian — Emory University
  • Study coordinator: Walker, Douglas Ian

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Blood chemical exposures and B‑cell blood cancer risk

    Researchers will use advanced blood chemical testing and AI to find environmental exposures linked to B‑cell blood cancers like non‑Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma.

    NIH research Emory University · Atlanta, United States · NIH-11233248

  • Biomarker clues to catch pancreatic cancer early in cysts

    A study from UC San Diego is testing blood and cyst-fluid markers to help tell high-risk pancreatic cysts from low-risk ones so that people with pancreatic cysts can get the right care sooner.

    NIH research University of California, San Diego · La Jolla, United States · NIH-11420592

  • Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Research Consortium

    A large research collaboration across multiple centers aims to improve survival for patients with myelofibrosis and related myeloproliferative neoplasms through coordinated laboratory, translational, and clinical work.

    NIH research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · New York, United States · NIH-11399011

  • Understanding how different CALR mutations drive certain blood cancers

    This grant explores how two CALR mutation types cause myeloproliferative neoplasms and could lead to better treatments for people with these blood cancers.

    NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11393750

  • Cell Competition in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

    This NIH grant explores how healthy and mutant blood stem cells interact in certain blood cancers to understand why some patients progress and how future therapies might help.

    NIH research State University New York Stony Brook · Stony Brook, United States · NIH-11380052

  • Targeting ERK’s brake pedals to slow cancer progression

    Aims to block the parts of ERK signaling that speed up cancer progression, by guiding drugs to the substrate-binding domains that act like accelerator pedals in myeloproliferative neoplasms and related cancers.

    NIH research Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-11364927

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.