Understanding Genetic Differences in Childhood B-Cell Leukemia
Official title: Variant to Function Mapping of B-ALL Risk Loci
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11136407 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research aims to uncover the specific genetic changes that contribute to childhood B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), especially in children of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $669,524 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA292941-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11136407 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is relevant to children and families affected by B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, particularly those of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity who face higher risks.
✕Less likely to help
Patients currently undergoing treatment for B-ALL may not see direct, immediate benefit from this basic science research.
What this research studies
Childhood B-ALL is a serious cancer, and we know that certain genetic differences can increase a child's risk. This project will look at a large amount of genetic information from children with B-ALL from different backgrounds to find these specific genetic changes. Researchers will then use advanced lab techniques to see how these changes affect the development of normal B cells. Our goal is to understand the fundamental causes of B-ALL, which could lead to new ways to prevent this disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of B-ALL's origins, paving the way for future strategies to prevent the disease and reduce health disparities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous large-scale genetic studies have identified general risk areas for B-ALL, but this project uses innovative methods to pinpoint the exact genetic changes and their functions, building on existing knowledge.
Where this research is happening
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Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sankaran, Vijay Ganesh — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Sankaran, Vijay Ganesh
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Preventing childhood B-ALL through maternal diet and TVA intake
A study at Loyola University Chicago will explore whether a mother’s intake of TVA during pregnancy can help prevent childhood B-ALL in babies.
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Metabolic drivers of B-ALL diversity and relapse risk
A study at Stanford will explore how diverse B-cell receptor rearrangements and their metabolism shape relapse risk in children and adults with B-ALL, with the goal of improving detection and treatment.
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Donor CAR T Cells Added to Transplant to Prevent Relapse in adults with B-ALL
A new approach combines donor CAR-T cells targeting CD19 and CD22 with a stem cell transplant to lower relapse risk in adults with B-ALL.
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Improving CAR T-cell therapy for pediatric B-ALL
A physician-scientist at St. Jude aims to advance CAR T-cell therapy for children with high-risk B-ALL by testing new donor-derived and enhanced autologous CAR T-cell approaches in early-phase trials.
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Understanding how genetics contribute to childhood B-ALL (a type of leukemia)
Aims to map genetic risk factors that lead to relapse or development of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children, with a focus on diverse populations.
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Targeting VAV3 and ERa to treat high‑risk B-ALL in adults and children
This grant tests a new treatment strategy that combines a VAV3 inhibitor with an estrogen receptor degrader to help patients with difficult-to-treat B-ALL, including relapsed cases.
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.