Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a tumor of white blood cells that normally fight infection. Changes in DNA, or mutations, are important in driving the development of ALL. Mutations in genes that control the reading of DNA are particularly common in leukemia cells that don't respond to treatment. Dr. Mullighan is studying engineered ALL cells and tumors to understand how these mutations result in resistance to therapy, and to develop new ways of treating ALL. The St. Baldrick’s Robert J. Arceci Innovation Award is given in honor of the late Dr. Robert Arceci. A pioneer in the field, this award reflects Dr. Arceci’s values including creativity, collaboration, and commitment to early- to mid-career scientists.

Hypodiploid acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), in which the leukemic cells have lost multiple chromosomes, is associated with poor outcome. Dr. Mullighan and his team identified multiple new gene mutations that have not previously been recognized in this disease. Dr. Mullighan is investigating the impact of the identified mutations on leukemia formation, and investigating therapeutic alternatives for this high-risk leukemia. PI was initially Dr. Linda Holmfeldt.

Based on progress to date, Dr. Mullighan was awarded a new grant in 2014 to fund an additional two years of this Scholar award. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer and still the most common cause of cancer related death in children. This project uses cutting-edge genetic profiling approaches to identify all genetic alterations contributing to the pathogenesis of high-risk childhood leukemia. This project uses detailed genomic analysis coupled with the development of experimental models of ALL that examine the role of newly identified genetic alterations in the development of leukemia, and response to therapy.  

This grant funds a cutting-edge research project to find new and better cures for childhood cancer.