Richard Aplenc Laboratory

Led by Richard Aplenc, MD, PhD, researchers in the Aplenc Laboratory are focused on improving the clinical outcomes of children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The long-term goal of the research conducted in the Aplenc Laboratory is to improve treatment options for children with AML.

Ongoing studies in the Aplenc Laboratory are evaluating the AML surface to identify new therapy targets and the development of chimeric antigen receptor clinical trials for children with relapsed/refractory AML. Dr. Aplenc’s laboratory is also investigating genetic factors associated with the development of pediatric AML using genome-wide genotyping.  

Members of the Aplenc Laboratory are also involved in a number of clinical studies to evaluate new treatments or modify existing ones to more effectively treat children with AML. Dr. Aplenc is the study Chair for a randomized Phase III clinical study sponsored by the Children’s Oncology Group. The trial is evaluating the safety and efficacy of bortezomib or sorafenib in combination with conventional chemotherapy on newly diagnosed children and young adults with AML. Dr. Aplenc and his team are actively involved in analyzing data from this and other Children’s Oncology Group trials.

Dr. Aplenc’s research team also used administrative/billing data and data from the electronic medical record to improve current clinical care of children with AML and to improve adverse event reporting on Children’s Oncology Group clinical trials.

Future studies in the Aplenc Laboratory will continue to focus on improving outcomes for children with AML by optimizing currently available therapies and developing new therapies.