Our Approach

The Leukemia Research Foundation funds research to transform the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of all types of leukemia. Our research grants support the best and brightest investigators from around the globe, giving them the critical funds and flexibility to think big, follow promising leads, and break new ground.

Areas of focus

Making sustained progress in treating and ultimately curing leukemia requires advances across the research continuum – from understanding the fundamental biology of cancer cells to preventing relapse after treatment. Our grants support a broad range of topics so researchers can investigate leukemia from every angle.

Cancer cell biology
Causes/risk factors
Treatment
Relapse prevention

Fundamental to advancing research, scientists are exploring what makes up a cancer cell, how and why it transitions from normal to abnormal, and what factors determine how it responds to treatment.

Investigating the genetic traits, the environmental factors, and other diseases that can lead to leukemia allows researchers to develop tailored therapies and better predict who is most at risk.

Developing new and better targeted therapies and immunotherapies and exploring more effective approaches to stem cell transplants to minimize adverse effects and maximize success.

Common in leukemia, researchers are exploring what causes a patient to relapse, what factors may increase the chances of it, and how treatments can be improved to prevent a relapse before it occurs.

How we select researchers

The Leukemia Research Foundation’s independent Medical Advisory Board is comprised of leading hematology/oncology experts from prominent medical research institutions. Each year, we invite proposals from pioneering scientists and clinical investigators positioned to make critical headway in leukemia research. After careful review of submitted proposals, the Medical Advisory Board makes its funding recommendations to the Leukemia Research Foundation.

Learn more about our research grant programs.

Breakthroughs

Leukemia is a complex disease with dozens of subtypes that differ in clinical presentation and treatment response. Our grants fund a broad range of topics so researchers can investigate leukemia from every angle. Below are some of the scientific advancements made by researchers funded by the Leukemia Research Foundation. For more breakthroughs, visit our News page.

Drug may prevent post-transplant relapse

Drug may prevent post-transplant relapse

Nearly half of acute myeloid leukemia patients relapse after a transplant. Raffaella Di Micco, PhD, from Ospedale San Raffaele in Milan, Italy has uncovered why and is currently exploring the use of an experimental drug that shows promise.

Read the full story.

New, safer CAR-T therapy is pending FDA approval

New, safer CAR-T therapy is pending FDA approval

Reshmi Parameswaran, PhD, from Case Western University School of Medicine has developed a new CAR-T therapy that is safer, longer-lasting, and more cost-effective than traditional CAR-Ts. The new therapy is awaiting FDA approval to begin clinical trials.

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Avocados may offer a better leukemia treatment

Avocados may offer a better leukemia treatment

Paul Spagnuolo, PhD, from the University of Guelph has identified a compound in avocados that inhibits an enzyme responsible for cancer cell growth. 

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A new potential targeted therapy for acute leukemia

A new potential targeted therapy for acute leukemia

Daniel Herranz Benito, PhD, from Rutgers Cancer Institute has identified a new targeted therapy for T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia that interrupts cancer growth in a lab setting.

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Researcher confirms nutrient’s role in childhood leukemia

Researcher confirms nutrient’s role in childhood leukemia

Iannis Aifantis, PhD, from NYU Langone Health has confirmed diets low in valine slow the progression of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cancer cells.

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