Understanding how leukemia stem cells resist treatment

Leukemia stem cell regulation and resistance

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · NIH-11014050

This study is looking at why some leukemia stem cells don’t respond to current treatments for chronic myelogenous leukemia and how their energy use helps them survive, with the goal of finding better ways to treat the disease and help patients live without ongoing treatment.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11014050 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms behind the resistance of leukemia stem cells (LSC) to current treatments for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). It focuses on how these cells, which can regenerate the disease, respond to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and explores the role of mitochondrial metabolism in their survival. By studying the metabolic changes in LSCs during treatment, the research aims to identify new strategies to effectively target these cells and potentially allow patients to achieve treatment-free remissions. Patients may be involved in the research through clinical trials that test new therapies aimed at overcoming resistance.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia who are currently undergoing treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of leukemia or those who are not currently receiving treatment for CML may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for CML that eliminate leukemia stem cells and reduce the need for ongoing therapy.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting leukemia stem cells, but this specific approach focusing on mitochondrial metabolism is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.