Understanding how to improve treatment for young adults with leukemia

Predictors of Systemic Exposure to Oral 6MP During Maintenance in Adolescentsand Young Adults with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

NIH-funded research University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11054646

This study is looking at how well young people with acute lymphoblastic leukemia stick to their chemotherapy medication, 6-mercaptopurine, and how that affects their treatment success, so we can find better ways to help them get the best results.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Birmingham, United States)
Project IDNIH-11054646 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the factors affecting the effectiveness of a chemotherapy drug called 6-mercaptopurine (6MP) in adolescents and young adults diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It aims to identify how well patients adhere to their medication and how healthcare management influences their treatment outcomes. By measuring the levels of a specific metabolite in the patients' DNA, the study seeks to understand the relationship between medication adherence and systemic exposure to 6MP. The findings could help tailor treatment plans to improve survival rates for this age group.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 39 who are undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 15 to 39 or those not diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies that enhance survival rates for young adults with leukemia.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that addressing medication adherence can significantly impact treatment outcomes in cancer patients, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

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.
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.