Leukemia Research

We’re honored to be one of only a few National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the country developing and collaborating on lifesaving cancer clinical trials, including some involving leukemia research.

Winship researchers are leading the way and changing how the world prevents, detects, diagnoses, treats and survives all forms of cancer, including leukemia. We pioneer discoveries in the lab that are translated into the latest, most effective treatments in the clinic. Our bench-to-bedside leukemia research enables us to discover, develop and deliver game-changing procedures, technologies, diagnostics and treatments.

Winship is one of the top leukemia research centers in the U.S. In fact, several of the drugs approved by the FDA to treat acute leukemia, including ivosidenib, enasidenib, venetoclax, gilteritnib and others have been studied in clinical trials right here at Emory in Atlanta. We’re currently involved in leukemia research testing novel targeted treatments and immunotherapies, as well as novel efforts to improve stem cell and marrow transplantation outcomes.

Our investigators have also participated in national trials that have led to the FDA approval of CAR T-cell therapies for patients with acute leukemias and continue to investigate this type of cellular therapy for other types of leukemias. And we’re constantly pushing the envelope in terms of leukemia diagnosis and how we can better understand each patient’s individual genetic code and its relationship to their cancer diagnosis.

We also conduct what is called outcomes research, which involves analyzing massive amounts of data to identify which treatments are working and which aren’t for various types of leukemia in patients across the country. We then use the data we gather to help inform our treatment decisions.

Clinical trials are controlled studies that test the newest interventions on a disease. They offer participants early access to treatments that are not yet commercially available. As a research center, our physicians and scientists will make every effort to match you with a clinical trial that targets your unique cancer. It’s best if you enroll from the very beginning, so let your doctor know on your first visit if you’re interested in learning more about a clinical trial. Most clinical trials are supplemental, meaning you’ll still receive the standard therapy in addition to any treatment being studied.

Winship conducts leukemia research at our Clifton campus. Talk with your doctor about whether you are eligible to participate in a clinical trial. We welcome trial participants from all over Georgia and beyond. Our supportive oncology team can assist you with services, such as finding affordable accomodations near Winship for the duration of your clinical trial.

Clinical researchers at Winship, along with partners and community-based systems in Atlanta and throughout the state, are leading the Georgia Blood Cancer Trials Network. This network makes innovative, investigational therapies and treatments more accessible to Georgia patients with blood cancer who reside outside of metropolitan Atlanta, including rural areas where higher poverty rates and longer travel distances make clinical trial participation more difficult. At Winship, we conduct clinical trials as part of the network at multiple locations.