Understanding how chronic myelomonocytic leukemia resists targeted therapy
Official title: Mechanisms of resistance to MEK Inhibition in RAS-pathway activated chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11083674 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how some people with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) might not respond to a treatment called cobimetinib, and it aims to help those patients by figuring out why that happens and finding better ways to treat them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $289,908 |
| NIH project number | 5K08CA252883-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083674 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia who have mutations activating the RAS/MAPK pathway.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia who do not have RAS/MAPK pathway mutations may not benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
This research investigates chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), a serious blood cancer, focusing on how some patients develop resistance to a specific treatment called cobimetinib, which targets the RAS/MAPK signaling pathway. The study involves a clinical trial where patients with certain genetic mutations will receive cobimetinib to see if it effectively treats their condition. Researchers will collect and analyze patient samples over time to identify mechanisms of resistance and explore ways to overcome them. This approach aims to improve treatment outcomes for patients with CMML.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeted therapies can be effective in treating certain blood cancers, but resistance remains a significant challenge, making this investigation both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patel, Ami B — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Patel, Ami B
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Targeted therapies for a blood cancer called CMML (CBL-mutant CMML)
A physician-scientist is testing targeted drugs to treat a hard-to-kill blood cancer called CMML in patients whose cancer has CBL mutations.
-
Understanding how CMML develops and becomes aggressive
Looks at blocking overactive MEK/ERK signals and BET protein-driven gene activity to slow or reverse aggressive CMML and lower its chance of turning into AML for people whose leukemia has NRAS and ASXL1 mutations.
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Blocking PLK1 in RAS‑mutated chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
People with relapsed or refractory proliferative CMML that has RAS pathway mutations will receive an oral drug called onvansertib that blocks the cell‑division protein PLK1 to look for safety and early signs of benefit.
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How inflammation changes blood stem cells and drives progression in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
Looking at whether inflammation changes blood stem cells and speeds disease in adults with CMML.
-
Patient-based mouse models to find better treatments for chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
Researchers are using mice implanted with patients' CMML cells to try out new treatment approaches for people with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia.
-
Targeting a specific protein to treat a type of blood cancer
This study is looking at a new pill called Onvansertib to see if it can help people with a tough type of blood cancer called chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) that hasn't responded to other treatments, especially for those with specific gene changes.
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.