Understanding how cancer cells become more aggressive in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Official title: Attacking the Tumor Cell-Immune Milieu Interface to Overcome Richter's Transformation
Funded at Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · NIH-11050726 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) can change into a more aggressive form called Richter's transformation, using a special mouse model to understand the changes in cells and the immune system, with the goal of finding new treatment options that combine targeted therapies and immunotherapy to help patients feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project start | December 16, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $721,723 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA283171-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11050726 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia who are at risk of developing Richter's transformation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage chronic lymphocytic leukemia who have not yet experienced any transformation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the transition of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) to a more aggressive form known as Richter's transformation (RT). It aims to explore the cellular and immune environment changes that occur during this transition, using a newly developed mouse model that simulates the disease progression. By studying these mechanisms, the research seeks to identify potential new treatments that combine targeted therapies with immunotherapy to improve patient outcomes. The approach includes analyzing metabolic changes and immune responses associated with the disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with Richter's transformation, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using immunotherapy for similar aggressive cancers, indicating that this approach may be viable.
Where this research is happening
-
Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
Duarte, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Lili — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Wang, Lili
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.