Using machine learning to find early signs of chronic graft-versus-host disease after blood stem cell transplants
Official title: Machine Learning to identify Biomarkers for Risk of Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11001469 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for clues in blood samples from patients who have had a stem cell transplant to help predict if they might develop chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD), so that doctors can catch it early and provide better treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | December 2, 2021 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $693,916 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA264921-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001469 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are undergoing or have recently undergone allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone blood stem cell transplants or those who are not at risk for cGVHD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to identify specific biomarkers that can predict the risk of developing chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) in patients who have undergone allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). By analyzing previously collected blood samples and using advanced machine learning techniques, the study seeks to uncover proteomic and cellular signatures that indicate the impending onset of cGVHD. The goal is to enhance early detection and improve patient outcomes by enabling preemptive treatment strategies before clinical symptoms appear.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier identification and treatment of patients at risk for cGVHD, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using machine learning and biomarker identification for similar conditions, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Paczesny, Sophie — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Paczesny, Sophie
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Targeting early oral GVHD to improve mouth health after stem cell transplant
A study at UW–Madison will explore why some transplant patients develop painful oral GVHD and test ideas to prevent and lessen mouth-related problems.
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Microbiome-based therapy for treatment-refractory GVHD after stem cell transplant
A microbiome-based therapy is being developed to help people who have graft-versus-host disease that doesn’t respond to standard treatments after a stem cell transplant.
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Role of altered mitochondria in preventing GVHD after stem cell transplant
This NIH grant explores how damaged mitochondria released during pre-transplant conditioning may trigger graft-versus-host disease and tests ways to fix mitochondrial dynamics to prevent GVHD.
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Fecal transplant plus fiber to treat graft-versus-host disease after blood stem cell transplant
A study to see if giving fecal transplant along with dietary fiber helps gut health and reduces complications in patients who have received a stem cell transplant and developed graft-versus-host disease.
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Using medium-chain fatty acids and a fat-sensing receptor to treat chronic graft-versus-host disease
This project looks at whether changing medium‑chain fatty acids or blocking a fat sensor called GPR84 can help people with chronic graft‑versus‑host disease after a bone marrow/stem cell transplant.
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Microbiome-based oral therapy for gut GVHD after stem cell transplant
Researchers are testing an oral live Biotherapeutic Product to help the gut microbiome improve graft-versus-host disease after stem cell transplant patients.
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.