About CLL Society’s Research Program
Over the past several years, it has become more challenging for scientists to secure adequate funding for academic and research-related work that is specifically focused on chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL / SLL). This may be due in part to the disease being largely perceived as a solved problem. As a result of this common misconception, overall funding capacity has not grown to meet the ongoing need for CLL / SLL research.
In January of 2022, CLL Society formally launched the Research Program to support this underfunded area of science. CLL Society’s Research Program is one of the only nonprofit organizations in the United States that is dedicated exclusively to funding research for CLL and SLL.
To achieve CLL Society’s strategic vision, we recognized the importance of providing funding to support some of the brightest minds currently in the field, as well as attract the next generation of researchers who will advance the science.
Since launching the Research Program in 2022, CLL Society has already committed a total of $1,700,000 to CLL / SLL research! We hope that by providing researchers with substantive grants we can help to develop and support the efforts of scientists who are committed to solving the unmet needs.
While acknowledging the incredible amount of progress that has been made over the past decade for CLL / SLL, we recognize that there is much more work that remains.
We Believe the Four Most Critical Areas of Unmet Need in CLL / SLL Are:
- Disease progression after receiving both a BTK inhibitor and BCL-2 inhibitor (double refractory disease)
- Richter’s transformation
- Strengthening or reconstituting the impaired immune system
- Curative therapies
Proposals That Address Any of CLL Society’s Research Program Objectives Will Be Prioritized:
- Improving Outcomes: We support research that aims to improve outcomes to ensure that all patients with CLL / SLL receive their best possible care.
- Disease Origin and Progression: We support research that is focused on gaining a better understanding of the biological mechanisms behind the origin and progression of CLL / SLL to develop better therapies.
- Innovative Treatments: We support the identification and development of novel treatment options through innovative approaches that can potentially revolutionize the care of those living with CLL / SLL.
- Social Determinants Impact: We encourage the exploration of disparities that exist in CLL / SLL based on certain demographics, and we support research that aims to minimize inequities in overall survivorship and improve access to care.
- Complication Management: We support the identification of interventions that will reduce morbidity and improve the quality of life for those with CLL / SLL, emphasizing holistic and integrative approaches to treatment.
- Diversity in Research: We strongly encourage diversity in clinical trials to better understand how different populations respond to treatments, ultimately reducing inequities in access to treatment and improving care for everyone living with CLL / SLL.
- The Role of Biomarkers: We support research that leverages gaining a better understanding of how CLL / SLL biomarkers could influence individual treatment choices, speed up the development of effective therapies, and improve outcomes.
