Project Grant R01CA292432

The Regents of the University of Colorado, doing business as the University of Colorado-Denver, was awarded a $387,630 Project Grant from the National Cancer Institute (CFDA 93.395 - Cancer Treatment Research) to conduct research on improving therapies for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The research aims to characterize the molecular vulnerabilities of different leukemia-initiating cell (LIC) subtypes, with a focus on monocytic and p53 mutant subpopulations that are resistant to current standard-of-care treatments like venetoclax and azacitidine. The project will leverage in vitro and in vivo models to understand AML clonal heterogeneity and how distinct LIC subclones respond to combination regimens involving venetoclax, azacitidine, and the SMAC mimetic drug tolinapant. The goal is to develop more effective and durable therapies that can overcome therapy resistance by targeting key vulnerabilities of diverse LIC subpopulations. The project will run from July 2024 through June 2029.