Blood Cancer Awareness: 5 Recruiting Clinical Trials Advancing Blood Cancer Research
When Ryan Frazier was only three months old, his family received life-changing news: he had acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Despite multiple rounds of chemotherapy, the cancer came back and spread to his central nervous system. His parents were told his best chance of survival was to join a clinical trial. After navigating delays and transferring to Stanford Children’s Health, Ryan enrolled in an investigational study that eventually brought him into remission.
Ryan’s journey shows how crucial clinical trials can be when standard treatments fall short. Recent breakthroughs in immune system research—including the 2025 Nobel Prize-winning discovery of regulatory T cells—are already shaping new therapies for cancer and other serious diseases, illustrating the life-changing potential of medical research.
This Blood Cancer Awareness reminds us of the ongoing need for research to improve outcomes for leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers
At TrialX, we believe connecting patients to clinical research is one of the most powerful ways to advance care. Below are five ongoing blood cancer trials that could change the future of treatment and bring new options to patients who need them most.
1. A First Look at SAR446523 for Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma
Sponsor: Sanofi
What It’s Testing and Why It Matters
This is the very first clinical trial testing SAR446523, a new antibody treatment designed for people with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells that often returns even after several rounds of treatment. This study is exploring whether SAR446523, given as a simple under-the-skin injection, can safely control the disease and become a future treatment option.
Why It Stands Out
Most available therapies for multiple myeloma involve lengthy infusions or have limited effect once the cancer comes back. SAR446523 works in a different way: it targets GPRC5D, a protein found on myeloma cells, and is engineered to strengthen the immune system’s attack on those cells. The study is divided into two parts—first testing different dose levels to identify what’s safe, then comparing regimens to find the best dose moving forward.
What It Could Mean for Patients
For patients who have already gone through multiple treatments—including chemotherapy, proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulators, and other antibody therapies—new options are urgently needed. If SAR446523 proves effective, it could offer a less invasive therapy with meaningful control of disease progression and potentially fewer hospital visits.
Where It’s Recruiting
The trial is currently enrolling participants at 13 global locations, including the U.S.
See full trial details and eligibility here.
2. Preventing Dangerous Infections During Stem Cell Transplants
Sponsor: SNIPR Biome Aps
What It’s About
Patients with blood cancers often undergo stem cell transplants to replace diseased bone marrow. During this vulnerable time, they are at high risk of life-threatening infections—especially from antibiotic-resistant bacteria like fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli. This trial is testing SNIPR001, an innovative therapy made from genetically engineered bacteriophages—viruses designed to specifically target harmful bacteria.
Why It’s Promising
Unlike traditional antibiotics, which wipe out both harmful and helpful bacteria, SNIPR001 is designed to attack only the resistant E. coli strains. This precision could protect patients from severe infections while preserving their microbiome and reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance.
What It Could Mean for Patients
For those preparing for a transplant, this therapy could prevent infections that often complicate recovery, lower the risk of graft failure, and even shorten hospital stays.
Where It’s Recruiting
Centers including City of Hope (CA), University of Minnesota, Weill Cornell Medicine (NY), MD Anderson (TX), and others across the U.S.
View the study and see if you’re eligible.
3. A New Oral Therapy for Rare Brain Lymphoma
Sponsor: Curis, Inc.
What It’s About
This trial is evaluating emavusertib (CA-4948), an oral therapy that blocks IRAK4, a key pathway that supports cancer cell survival. The focus is on patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL)—a rare and aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma affecting the brain and spinal cord. Standard treatments can work for a time but often relapse quickly, leaving patients with few options.
Why It’s Promising
Researchers are studying emavusertib both on its own and in combination with ibrutinib, another targeted drug. By testing multiple strategies within the same trial, they hope to find more durable responses for both patients who have already tried BTK inhibitors and those who haven’t.
What It Could Mean for Patients
For people with PCNSL, this could be the start of a more manageable oral treatment—potentially reducing the need for intensive hospital-based therapies and offering longer-lasting disease control.
Where It’s Recruiting
Major centers in the U.S., including Dana-Farber (MA), MD Anderson (TX), Memorial Sloan Kettering (NY), Cleveland Clinic (OH), City of Hope (CA), plus international sites in France, Italy, Israel, Spain, Poland, and Czechia.
4. Expanding Options With a Next-Generation BTK Inhibitor
Sponsor: Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
What It’s About
This Phase 1/2 trial is evaluating SAR446523, a bispecific antibody designed to target GPRC5D, a protein commonly expressed on multiple myeloma cells. The study is enrolling patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have exhausted standard treatments.
Why It’s Promising
While earlier BTK inhibitors transformed treatment for many of these cancers, they don’t work for everyone and resistance often develops. Nemtabrutinib is engineered to overcome those challenges, including mutations that make other BTK inhibitors ineffective.
What It Could Mean for Patients
If successful, this drug could expand treatment options across multiple blood cancers, giving patients a therapy that works longer and with fewer resistance issues.
Where It’s Recruiting
122 global sites, including Mayo Clinic, UC San Diego, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (Canada), and locations throughout Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia.
Check the full study details and participation criteria here.
5. Exploring Odronextamab for Follicular Lymphoma
Sponsor: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
What It’s About
This trial is testing odronextamab, an experimental therapy for people with previously untreated follicular lymphoma. The study is designed in two parts:
- Part 1: Learn how safe and tolerable odronextamab is when given on its own.
- Part 2: Compare odronextamab to rituximab plus standard chemotherapy to see which works better and is easier on patients.
Why It’s Promising
Odronextamab is a bispecific antibody, designed to help the immune system better target lymphoma cells. This study not only looks at effectiveness but also monitors quality of life, side effects, and how the body reacts to the therapy.
What It Could Mean for Patients
Participants may access cutting-edge treatment before it’s widely available. The trial could help discover more effective, safer options for follicular lymphoma patients.
Where It’s Recruiting
180+ sites across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Brazil, Israel, Australia, and South Korea.
View the trial and see if you’re eligible.
Staying Involved in the Future of Care
Innovation in blood cancer research is creating real hope for patients who once had limited options. These studies remind us that progress is possible when science, patients, and communities come together. Staying engaged ensures that more people can benefit from tomorrow’s breakthroughs.
You can explore additional ongoing trials at TrialX.com, or explore more resources from organizations such as the Lymphoma Research Foundation, the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to stay informed, supported, and engaged.
