Project Details
Projekt
Mechanisms of CLL progression and Richter transformation in patients with CLL treated with agents targeting BTK and BCL2 (B02)
Subject Area
Hematology, Oncology
Term
from 2012 to 2024
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 217328187
The clinical course of CLL is coupled to clonal evolution of (epi)genetic variants. We will 1) identify (epi)genomic characteristics of patients who benefit less from treatment with ibrutinib (e.g. co-occurrence of TP53 mutations) or with BCL2 inhibitors (epigenetic targeting of BCL2). 2) In addition, we will characterize the timing and development of Richter transformation (RT) (clonally related, i.e. CLL-derived, or non-related, i.e. de novo lymphoma) which will impact treatment sequence. 3) Finally, we will improve disease monitoring during treatment with novel agents by measurement of cell-free circulating tumor DNA from CLL cells not present in peripheral blood and thus not amenable to current assessment.
DFG Programme
Collaborative Research Centres
Applicant Institution
Universität Ulm
Project Heads
Professor Dr. Hartmut Döhner, since 7/2020; Privatdozent Dr. Daniel Mertens, since 7/2020; Professor Dr. Stephan Stilgenbauer, since 7/2020
