Understanding how acute myeloid leukemia becomes resistant to treatment
Molecular mechanisms of drug resistance and disease progression in acute myeloid leukemia.
This research explores why acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) sometimes get worse or stop responding to treatment, focusing on how the body's immune response and certain genetic changes play a role.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Jesse Brown VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11129676 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) can be challenging to treat, and sometimes existing therapies lose their effectiveness. This project aims to uncover how the body's natural defense system, known as the innate immune response, might inadvertently contribute to the growth of these blood cancers. Researchers are also investigating specific genetic changes that could prevent the body from properly regulating the production of certain white blood cells, a process that might fuel leukemia development. A key focus is on a protein called Triad1, which appears to act as a natural suppressor of leukemia. By gaining a deeper understanding of these complex biological processes, we hope to identify new strategies to combat the progression and drug resistance of these difficult blood cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) who are interested in the underlying causes of their disease progression and treatment resistance.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are not related to acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndromes would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent acute myeloid leukemia from progressing or becoming resistant to current treatments.
How similar studies have performed: This research builds on the team's previous findings that suggest specific immune responses and genetic factors contribute to leukemia development and drug resistance.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eklund, Elizabeth Ann — Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Eklund, Elizabeth Ann
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 below.