Understanding genetic factors affecting treatment outcomes in childhood leukemia
Official title: Characterizing noncoding GWAS variants in acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment outcome
Funded at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-10670131 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genetic differences can affect how well children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia respond to treatment, with the goal of finding ways to tailor therapies to help them do better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2019 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $488,482 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA234490-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10670131 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, particularly those who have experienced treatment resistance or relapse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of leukemia or those who are not diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how genetic variations, particularly noncoding variants, influence the treatment outcomes of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). By analyzing genomic data from over 40 ALL samples, the study aims to create detailed maps of the ALL genome, identifying regulatory elements that may contribute to drug resistance. The researchers will integrate these findings with clinical data from patients to better understand the mechanisms behind treatment failure and relapse. This approach could lead to more personalized treatment strategies for children with ALL.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could improve treatment strategies and outcomes for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia by identifying genetic factors that influence drug resistance.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success in using genomic mapping to identify factors influencing treatment outcomes in various cancers, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights for pediatric ALL as well.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Savic, Daniel — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Savic, Daniel
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Caregiver-led mobile tool to support healthy habits for kids treated for ALL
A caregiver-directed mobile program helps children who were treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia build healthier daily routines.
-
Genomics of childhood ALL across global populations
A wide-ranging study looks at how inherited genetics influence the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia around the world.
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Genomics of childhood ALL across diverse populations
A large international study will look at why children everywhere get acute lymphoblastic leukemia and how genetics may influence risk.
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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.
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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.