Federal Grant Award Summary

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center received a $683,698 Project Grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) under the Cancer Treatment Research program (CFDA 93.395), effective June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2031. The award supports research to develop and validate a novel therapeutic strategy for treating high-risk B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), particularly in relapsed/refractory cases and those resistant to anti-CD19 therapy. The primary research deliverables include: (1) preclinical studies to define how VAV3 (RAC activator) and estrogen receptor alpha (ERA) co-dependency regulates B-ALL proliferation and to characterize growth factors secreted following VAV3 inhibition; and (2) xenograft model studies evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of sequential VAV3 inhibition (using the small molecule IODVA 1) combined with fulvestrant (an ERA degrader), with identification of mechanisms of treatment escape.

The project represents fundamental and applied laboratory research focused on the discovery and development of improved cancer treatment methods. Research activities will be conducted at the awardee's Cincinnati, Ohio location and employ genetic, biochemical, and pharmacological approaches to validate a targeted therapeutic combination strategy that preliminary data suggests can significantly prolong survival in treatment-resistant B-ALL models with durable responses after treatment cessation. Deliverables will include research publications, preclinical efficacy data, mechanistic findings, and identification of biomarkers or resistance pathways that may inform future clinical translation of this therapeutic approach.