Understanding Lymphoma in African Americans to Find Better Treatments

Hydrogel-based Organoids of African-American Lymphomas to Study B Cell Receptor Pathway Inhibitors

['FUNDING_R01'] · GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · NIH-11145031

This project aims to understand why a type of lymphoma affects African American patients differently and to find better ways to treat it.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorGEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ATLANTA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11145031 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This project focuses on a type of blood cancer called non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, particularly diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), which can be very aggressive. We know that African-American patients often have more challenging outcomes with DLBCL and are diagnosed at a younger age, with unique genetic changes in their tumors. To address this, researchers are creating tiny, lab-grown models of these lymphomas, called organoids, using cells from African-American patients. These organoids will help us learn more about the specific genetic changes in these lymphomas and test how well different targeted medications, called B cell receptor pathway inhibitors, work. The goal is to discover more effective treatments tailored to African-American patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is focused on understanding the specific characteristics of lymphomas in African-American patients, which could eventually benefit those diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) or marginal zone lymphomas (MZLs).

Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those whose lymphoma does not involve the B cell receptor pathway may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new, more effective, and personalized treatment options for African-American patients with aggressive lymphomas.

How similar studies have performed: While targeted therapies for lymphoma exist, this approach of using patient-derived organoids to specifically study African-American lymphomas and test B cell receptor pathway inhibitors is a novel and promising strategy.

Where this research is happening

ATLANTA, 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.