Understanding why ALK-rearranged lymphoma stops responding to treatments

Mechanisms of resistance to ALK inhibitors in ALK-rearranged lymphoma

NIH-funded research Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11039942

This project looks into why a type of T cell lymphoma, called ALK-positive Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, sometimes stops responding to targeted medications.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston Children's Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11039942 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) with an ALK gene change often responds well to ALK inhibitor medications, but some patients experience the lymphoma returning or becoming resistant. This research aims to uncover the specific ways lymphoma cells develop resistance to these important drugs. By understanding these resistance mechanisms, we hope to find new strategies to make treatments more effective and lasting for patients. This could lead to better long-term outcomes and potentially prevent the lymphoma from returning after treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients with ALK-positive Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, especially those who have developed resistance to ALK inhibitors or experienced relapse, are the focus of this research.

Not a fit: Patients without ALK-positive Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma or those who have not received ALK inhibitor treatment may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments or strategies to overcome drug resistance, improving long-term outcomes for patients with ALK-positive Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma.

How similar studies have performed: ALK inhibitors have shown significant success in treating ALK-positive ALCL and other cancers like NSCLC, but understanding resistance mechanisms in ALCL is an ongoing area of investigation.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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.