Why some blood cancer cells resist natural killer immune cells
Mechanisms of natural killer cell resistance of treatment-persistent residual tumor cells in hematologic malignancies
['FUNDING_R01'] · DANA-FARBER CANCER INST · NIH-11237081
Researchers are finding how leukemia and myeloma cells survive treatment by resisting natural killer immune cells so future therapies can better prevent relapse in people with blood cancers.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DANA-FARBER CANCER INST (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11237081 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, this work looks at why some blood cancer cells survive therapy and hide as treatment-persistent residual disease (TPRD/MRD). Scientists will study how those cells shift into a low-Myc, dormant-like state and how they respond when attacked by natural killer (NK) immune cells. The team will use laboratory models, CRISPR genetic screens, and analyses of tumor samples to find genes and pathways that let cancer cells resist NK killing. Results are intended to identify targets that could lead to new treatments to clear leftover cancer and reduce relapse risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or multiple myeloma (MM), particularly those with minimal or treatment-persistent residual disease or relapsed disease.
Not a fit: People with cancers unrelated to blood malignancies or those who need immediate standard-of-care lifesaving treatment are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could point to new ways to help the immune system eliminate leftover leukemia or myeloma cells and lower the chance of relapse.
How similar studies have performed: Related preclinical work has uncovered immune-resistance mechanisms and informed some immune therapies, but applying these approaches specifically to MRD in blood cancers is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- DANA-FARBER CANCER INST — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MITSIADES, CONSTANTINE S. — DANA-FARBER CANCER INST
- Study coordinator: MITSIADES, CONSTANTINE S.
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.
Conditions: Cancer Burden, Cancer Treatment