WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2026 – The Hairy Cell Leukemia Foundation and Blood Cancer United®, formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, today announced six new research grants as part of their ongoing strategic partnership to better understand what drives hairy cell leukemia and find better therapies on the road to cures for this rare form of blood cancer.
"For patients with classic hairy cell leukemia, we've achieved years – often decades – of remission. Patients with variant disease, and those who relapse, deserve treatments that work just as well. These grants are how we close that gap – and they exist because patients and families chose to fund this work," said Anna Lambertson, executive director of the Hairy Cell Leukemia Foundation.
The latest grants are part of the HCL2030 program, which continues and expands the organizations’ six-year partnership. The grants will invest nearly $7 million over the next five years in research at worldclass institutions in the U.S. and Europe.
Advances in understanding the underlying biology of hairy cell leukemia led to the current understanding that it has two distinct types: classic and variant.
Classic hairy cell leukemia is much more common, accounting for up to 90% of cases. With current treatments, most patients will remain in remission for five to 15 years or more.
Variant hairy cell leukemia, as well as classic hairy cell leukemia that has relapsed, carry a much worse prognosis. These areas are a focus of the latest round of grants.
The current set of awards zero in on a range of aspects to help patients from initial diagnosis and throughout their treatment. This year’s awardees:
“Medical research is not a solo sport. Even though researchers are working at different locations across two continents, we are all very much on the same team, and that is particularly important for rare diseases such as hairy cell leukemia. It takes cooperation, time and money to find the advances that will make a real difference for patients,” said Lore Gruenbaum, Ph.D., chief scientific officer at Blood Cancer United.
About Hairy Cell Leukemia Foundation
The Hairy Cell Leukemia Foundation (HCLF), founded in 1984, is the only U.S. nonprofit solely focused on Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL). Founded and governed by patients, HCLF funds innovative research, advances education, and provides vital peer support worldwide. Through international collaboration and a patient-led mission, HCLF has helped drive major treatment advances and continues to improve outcomes for those affected by HCL and HCLv. Visit www.hairycellleukemia.org to learn more, and find the HCLF on social media: Facebook, Instagram , Linkedin , and X .
About Blood Cancer United®
Blood Cancer United® (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) is the largest global nonprofit focused on blood cancer patient support, research, and advocacy. Since its founding in 1949, the organization has consistently evolved to better serve people affected by all 100-plus types of blood cancer. Blood Cancer United funds innovative research, offers free resources and personalized support, and advocates at the state and national levels for more accessible and affordable healthcare for all patients. To learn more, visit www.BloodCancerUnited.org. Connect with the organization on Facebook , X , Instagram , LinkedIn , TikTok, and Threads .
About Hairy Cell Leukemia
Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL) is a rare hematological malignancy that affects the blood, bone marrow, spleen, and other organs. First described in the late 1950s, HCL is characterized by overgrowth of abnormal white blood cells, which compromises the production of normal blood cells. It is named for the unique short, thin hair-like projections on the surface of these blood cancer cells. Approximately 1,200 Americans are diagnosed with HCL annually.
Approximately 10 to 15% of HCL patients have HCL-variant, a more aggressive form of the disease. Those patients tend to respond less well to therapy, relapse more quickly, and have a poor survival rate. Overall, HCL affects men four times more often than women. The cause of the malignancy and striking male dominance is unknown.