Using imaging and blood tests to predict transplant failure after stem cell transplants
Official title: Imaging and Blood Biomarkers to Predict Graft Failure after HSCT
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10672998 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new ways to spot early signs of graft failure in patients who have had a stem cell transplant, using special imaging and blood tests to help doctors catch problems sooner and provide better care, especially for those getting cord blood or family donor transplants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2019 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $581,140 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL146668-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10672998 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients receiving cord blood or haplo-identical HSCT who are at high risk for graft failure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing HSCT or those who have already experienced graft failure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how novel imaging techniques and blood biomarkers can help detect early signs of graft failure in patients who have undergone allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). By identifying subclinical engraftment, the study aims to expedite diagnosis and potential rescue through re-transplantation. The approach includes using (18)F-fluorothymidine (FLT) PET/CT imaging and measuring thymidine kinase 1 (TK1) levels in the blood to monitor cellular recovery. This could lead to timely interventions for patients at high risk of graft failure, particularly those receiving cord blood or haplo-identical transplants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the early detection of graft failure, leading to better outcomes for patients undergoing stem cell transplants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar imaging and biomarker approaches, indicating potential for success in this research.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Williams, Kirsten — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Williams, Kirsten
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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.