Understanding why T-cell leukemia comes back
Mechanism(s) of TAL1- and NOTCH1-mediated Leukemogenesis
This research aims to discover why T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) sometimes returns after treatment by finding and studying the hidden leukemia cells that survive therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11103170 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Despite progress in treating T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), some patients experience a relapse, often because a small number of 'dormant' leukemia cells survive chemotherapy. We are working to identify these hard-to-find leukemia-initiating cells (L-IC) and understand how they become dormant and resist treatment. By tracking the history of these cells and examining their unique characteristics at a single-cell level, we hope to uncover the pathways that allow them to persist. This knowledge could lead to new ways to target and eliminate these resistant cells, preventing the leukemia from returning.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to patients, including children and adults, diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), especially those who experience relapse or have minimal residual disease.
Not a fit: Patients without T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that specifically target the dormant leukemia cells responsible for relapse, improving long-term outcomes for patients with T-ALL.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has suggested the existence of dormant leukemia cells and has begun to identify some of their characteristics, providing a foundation for this novel approach to isolate and study them in detail.
Where this research is happening
Worcester, United States
- Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester — Worcester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kelliher, Michelle Alice — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Kelliher, Michelle Alice
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 below.