Understanding how chronic lymphocytic leukemia changes into Richter's syndrome
Official title: Tracing the Evolution of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia to Richter's Syndrome: Defining Transformation
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-10911251 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) changes into a more serious condition called Richter's syndrome (RS) to help doctors understand why this happens and find better ways to treat patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $189,000 |
| NIH project number | 5K08CA270085-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10911251 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, particularly those who may be at risk of or have developed Richter's syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of leukemia or those who do not have chronic lymphocytic leukemia will likely not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic changes that occur when chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) transforms into Richter's syndrome (RS), a condition that complicates treatment and worsens patient outcomes. By analyzing patient samples, the study aims to identify the genetic and epigenetic factors that drive this transformation. The approach includes advanced genomic techniques to trace the evolution of CLL to RS, which could lead to better prognostic tools and targeted therapies for patients. The findings may help in understanding why some patients experience this transformation and how to prevent it.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies and outcomes for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia who are at risk of developing Richter's syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding genetic transformations in cancers, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights into the transition from CLL to RS.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Parry, Erin M — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Parry, Erin M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Tracing how chronic lymphocytic leukemia can change into Richter’s syndrome
A physician-scientist is studying why CLL sometimes changes into Richter’s syndrome and how this transition happens at the genetic level, with the goal of better outcomes for people living with CLL.
-
Paradigm shift in managing untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia in older adults
A Mayo Clinic doctor is leading a national collaboration to advance new frontline treatments for older adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
-
AVO: a new triplet therapy for untreated high-risk CLL
A new, time-limited combination therapy (acalabrutinib, venetoclax, and obinutuzumab) is being tested for people with newly diagnosed high-risk CLL to see how well it works and how safe it is.
-
Rewiring cancer pathways to trigger death in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
A Stanford-led study aims to use a new class of small molecules to flip cancer-driving signals so CLL cells die, offering hope for patients who have exhausted other therapies.
-
METTL3's role in driving a stubborn form of chronic lymphocytic leukemia
A cancer-related study looks at how METTL3 helps a common leukemia (CLL) grow and resist treatment, with the goal of finding better therapies.
-
Understanding why BTK inhibitors stop working in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Researchers are studying why some people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia stop benefiting from BTK inhibitors and how to overcome that resistance.
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.