Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia: uncovering immunity during first-line treatment

A2003275

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) is the most common leukaemia in the UK, and while new oral treatments have improved patient outcomes, challenges remain with disease relapse and weakened immune systems that increase infection risk. This PhD project focuses on understanding the function of normal B cells, which are crucial for immune defence but are suppressed in CLL and during treatment, using cutting-edge single cell sequencing technology.

The research uses a novel method to isolate these rare normal B cells from patient blood samples taken during major UK clinical trials (FLAIR and STATIC). By examining how these cells behave during treatment and relapse, the project aims to reveal how modern therapies affect immune function. Insights gained will help develop personalised treatment strategies to improve immune recovery, reduce infections, and extend healthy remissions for CLL patients.

Lead Researcher	Dr Amelia Fisher Clinical Research Fellow
Co-Researchers	Dr Darren Newton
Host Organisation	University of Leeds
Grant Amount	£4,786.00
Start Date	01/03/2025
Estimated Duration	11 months
Impact Areas	Innovation & Health Technologies
Tags/key notes	Cancer and neoplasms