Using genetic discoveries to improve outcomes for high-risk acute leukemia
Official title: Translating genomic discoveries to improved outcomes for high risk acute leukemia
Funded at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-11210476 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are using genetic information from people with high-risk acute leukemia to find why the cancer starts and why some treatments fail so they can create better tests and targeted therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | January 19, 2017 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $12,654 |
| NIH project number | 3R35CA197695-10S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11210476 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with high‑risk or treatment‑resistant acute leukemia, including children and adults whose cancer carries the specific genetic changes under study, would be the most relevant candidates.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with low‑risk leukemia types not related to the genetic alterations studied, or individuals without acute leukemia, are unlikely to see direct benefit from this program.
What this research studies
This program analyzes the genomes of leukemia samples and uses lab models to find the genetic changes that drive aggressive or treatment‑resistant disease. Scientists study how those changes alter gene control, chromatin structure, and cell behavior, including a process called liquid‑liquid phase separation. The team is testing new approaches such as targeted protein degradation aimed at cancer drivers that have been hard to treat. Work builds on previously identified leukemia subtypes and uses patient samples alongside experimental systems to move findings toward new diagnostics and therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce new tests and targeted treatments that improve cure rates for children and others with high‑risk acute leukemia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous genomic studies and the team's own work have already reclassified leukemia subtypes and shown promising early results with targeted approaches, providing a strong foundation for this program.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mullighan, Charles G — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Mullighan, Charles G
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Investigating a specific type of leukemia in children caused by genetic changes.
This study is looking at how certain proteins linked to leukemia affect kids and teens with high-risk blood cancers, and the researchers hope to find new ways to treat these conditions by learning more about how the disease works.
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Reducing leukemia disparities in Latino children and teens
A large, multi-project effort aims to understand why Latino children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia have worse outcomes and how to reduce those gaps.
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Genomic advances to improve outcomes in high-risk acute leukemia
A physician-scientist team is studying the genetic drivers of pediatric acute leukemia to find new ways to diagnose and treat it, with the goal of improving cure rates for kids.
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Understanding and Targeting Extramedullary Acute Leukemia
A clinician-research team is studying myeloid sarcoma, a form of AML that forms solid tumors outside the bone marrow, to develop new treatments for patients.
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Diversifying acute leukemia trial enrollment through multilevel approach
Aiming to broaden participation in acute leukemia trials by testing a multi-layer plan that addresses barriers for adults with AML.
-
Blocking menin to treat acute leukemias with high HOX gene activity
This work develops new drugs that block a protein called menin to help people with certain aggressive acute leukemias driven by HOX gene activation.
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.