Understanding why sickle cell disease increases the risk of blood cancers.
Official title: Mechanisms underlying increased risk of hematological malignancy in sickle cell disease.
Funded at Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-11110191 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why adults with sickle cell disease might have a higher chance of developing blood cancers, and it aims to find out how stress on their cells and DNA damage could play a role, which could help improve treatments for people with sickle cell disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $225,101 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA299166-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11110191 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults with sickle cell disease, particularly those who have undergone gene therapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplants.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with sickle cell disease who are not adults or have not undergone gene therapy or stem cell transplants may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that lead to a higher risk of hematological malignancies, such as blood cancers, in adults with sickle cell disease (SCD). It focuses on how oxidative stress and DNA damage in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells may contribute to this increased risk. By conducting experiments in mice, the researchers aim to understand the biological processes involved and how gene therapy and stem cell transplants may influence these risks. The findings could help improve treatment strategies for SCD patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective treatments for sickle cell disease, reducing the risk of blood cancers in affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the genetic and biological factors in hematological malignancies can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Malik, Punam — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Malik, Punam
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Why people with sickle cell disease have higher risk of blood cancers
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.