Understanding how metabolism drives acute myeloid leukemia

Interrogation of the oxidative-stress-induced leukemia program in vivo using metabolic imaging

NIH-funded research Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11123417

This research explores how specific metabolic changes in leukemia cells could lead to new ways to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML), especially for patients whose disease returns or resists current treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11123417 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a complex cancer where many patients experience their disease returning or becoming resistant to initial treatments. This project aims to uncover unique metabolic features within AML cells that could be targeted with new medicines. We are particularly interested in how leukemia cells use sugar and other nutrients differently, focusing on an enzyme called PHGDH. By understanding and potentially blocking this enzyme, we hope to find new vulnerabilities in these cancer cells. This work builds on previous discoveries about leukemia's metabolism, seeking to develop more effective strategies for patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is most relevant to patients with acute myeloid leukemia, especially those whose disease has returned or is no longer responding to current therapies.

Not a fit: Patients without acute myeloid leukemia or those whose disease does not involve the specific metabolic pathways being studied may not directly benefit from this particular research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new drug targets and therapies for acute myeloid leukemia, particularly for patients who have relapsed or become resistant to existing treatments.

How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this research team has successfully identified new metabolic vulnerabilities in leukemia, providing a strong foundation for this current approach.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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.
Conditions Cancer TreatmentCancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.