 |
|
A lethal cancer knocked down by one-two drug punch
June 08, 2009Bar Harbor, Maine - In the battle against cancer, allies can come from unexpected sources. Research at The Jackson Laboratory has yielded a new approach to treating leukemia, one that targets leukemia-proliferating cells with drugs that are already on the market.
Jackson Adjunct Professor Shaoguang Li, M.D., Ph.D., who now has a laboratory at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester, led a research team that identified a gene involved with the inflammatory response that could hold the key to treating or even preventing chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a lethal cancer.
In research published in the journal Nature Genetics, the researchers also showed that an asthma medication for human patients is an effective treatment for CML in mice.
The gene, Alox5, processes essential fatty acids to leukotrienes, which are important agents in the inflammatory response. But according to the researchers, Alox5 has a more sinister side. It is vital to the development and maintenance of cancer stem cells.
Cancer stem cells are slow-dividing cells that are thought to give rise to a variety of cancers, including leukemia, and to be critical for maintaining them. Researchers theorize that cancer stem cells must be targeted for effective treatment of many cancers, but direct evidence is still lacking.
The researchers found that CML did not develop in mice without Alox5 because of impaired function of leukemia stem cells. Also, Alox5 deficiency did not affect normal stem cell function, providing the first clear differentiation between normal and cancer stem cells.
Li also treated mice with CML with Zileuton, an asthma medication that inhibits the Alox5 inflammation pathway, as well imatinib, commonly known as Gleevec, the most effective current leukemia medication. Imatinib effectively treated CML, but Zileuton was more effective. The two drugs combined provided an even better therapeutic effect.
The Jackson Laboratory is seeking patent protection on the novel approach to treat CML that Li and colleagues have demonstrated.
The exact mechanism for the Alox5 gene in regulating the function of leukemia stem cells but not normal stem cells needs further study, but it appears that the two types of stem cells employ different pathways for self-renewal and differentiation. The findings provide a new focus of study into how leukemia stem cells are distinct from normal stem cells and how they can be targeted in cancer therapies. A future clinical trial targeting Alox5 will provide the first anti-stem cell strategy in cancer therapy. It is likely that other cancer stem cells will have specific pathways that also differentiate them from their normal stem cell counterparts.
Jackson Laboratory
The gene, Alox5, processes essential fatty acids to leukotrienes, which are important agents in the inflammatory response. But according to the researchers, Alox5 has a more sinister side. It is vital to the development and maintenance of cancer stem cells.
Cancer stem cells are slow-dividing cells that are thought to give rise to a variety of cancers, including leukemia, and to be critical for maintaining them. Researchers theorize that cancer stem cells must be targeted for effective treatment of many cancers, but direct evidence is still lacking.
The researchers found that CML did not develop in mice without Alox5 because of impaired function of leukemia stem cells. Also, Alox5 deficiency did not affect normal stem cell function, providing the first clear differentiation between normal and cancer stem cells.
Li also treated mice with CML with Zileuton, an asthma medication that inhibits the Alox5 inflammation pathway, as well imatinib, commonly known as Gleevec, the most effective current leukemia medication. Imatinib effectively treated CML, but Zileuton was more effective. The two drugs combined provided an even better therapeutic effect.
The Jackson Laboratory is seeking patent protection on the novel approach to treat CML that Li and colleagues have demonstrated.
The exact mechanism for the Alox5 gene in regulating the function of leukemia stem cells but not normal stem cells needs further study, but it appears that the two types of stem cells employ different pathways for self-renewal and differentiation. The findings provide a new focus of study into how leukemia stem cells are distinct from normal stem cells and how they can be targeted in cancer therapies. A future clinical trial targeting Alox5 will provide the first anti-stem cell strategy in cancer therapy. It is likely that other cancer stem cells will have specific pathways that also differentiate them from their normal stem cell counterparts.
Jackson Laboratory
Leukemia Current Events and Leukemia News RSSFirst use of antibody and stem cell transplantation to successfully treat advanced leukemia
For the first time, researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have reported the use of a radiolabeled antibody to deliver targeted doses of radiation, followed by a stem cell transplant, to successfully treat a group of leukemia and pre-leukemia patients for whom there previously had been no other curative treatment options.
American Dietetic Association Releases Updated Position Paper Promoting and Supporting Breastfeeding
The American Dietetic Association has released an updated position paper on breastfeeding that details health benefits for both infants and mothers and encourages promotion of breastfeeding whenever possible.
Drug shows promise in treating dangerous complication of erectile disorder
Thousands of men are afflicted with an embarrassing and painful condition that triggers spontaneous, long-lasting erections. There are limited treatment options, but a solution could be on the way thanks to new research at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
Brain tumors in childhood leave a lasting mark on cognition, life status
Brain tumors in childhood cast a long shadow on survivors. The first study of the lasting impact of these tumors -- the most common solid malignancies in childhood -- shows that survivors have ongoing cognitive problems.
Researchers use drug-radiation combo to eradicate lung cancer
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have eliminated non-small cell lung (NSCL) cancer in mice by using an investigative drug called BEZ235 in combination with low-dose radiation.
Propolis has proved to be a product with ability to have beneficial effects for health
Growing concerns about health has caused the scientific community to focus their interest on investigating functional foods which contribute to boosting the prevention and reduction of the risk of suffering from certain illnesses.
Chemosensitivity of cancer cells depends on their protein dependency
Two different anti-apoptotic proteins support cancer cell survival via an identical mechanism, yet differ in their sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs, report Brunelle et al. The study will be published online October 26, 2009 and in the November 2, 2009 print issue of the Journal of Cell Biology (JCB).
Drug could provide first treatment for scleroderma
Investigators have identified a drug that is currently approved to treat certain types of cancer, Gleevec, that could provide the first treatment for scleroderma, a chronic connective tissue disease for which a treatment has remained elusive.
New chromosomal abnormality identified in leukemia associated with Down syndrome
Researchers identified a new chromosomal abnormality in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that appears to work in concert with another mutation to give rise to cancer. This latest anomaly is particularly common in children with Down syndrome.
Governor recognizes stem cell research at Einstein
Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University hosted a roundtable discussion on stem cell research with New York Governor David A. Paterson today.
More Leukemia Current Events and Leukemia News Articles
 |
100 Q&A About Leukemia, Second Edition (100 Questions & Answers about) by Edward D. Ball (Author) This book deals with leukemia from a doctor's and a patient's perspective. |
 |
Living Through Leukemia: A Journey to Health by Louis George Whitehead (Author) While many believe that being diagnosed with leukemia is like being handed a death sentence, South Dakota native Louis George Whitehead provides living proof that survival of this life-threatening and life-changing illness is possible. At age twenty-one, Whitehead’s doctor informs him that he is suffering from acute myeloid leukemia. After two rounds of chemotherapy and a relapse a few months later, Whitehead makes the decision to undergo a bone-marrow transplant. Living through Leukemia chronicles his story of endurance and optimism. Whitehead shares his feelings following his initial diagnosis and through the realization that a fatal outcome was possible. He also details the events and symptoms leading up to his courageous battle and describes the importance of both his... |
 |
Childhood Leukemia: A Guide for Families, Friends and Caregivers (3rd Edition) by Nancy Keene (Author) This most complete parent guide available covers not only detailed and precise medical information about leukemia and the various treatment options, but also day-to-day practical advice on how to cope with procedures, hospitalization, family and friends, school, social and financial issues, communication, feelings, and, if therapy is not successful, the difficult issues of death and bereavement. Woven among the medical details and the practical advice are the voices of parents and children who have lived with leukemia and its treatments. As many parents have already found, advice from "veteran" parents can be a lifeline.This third edition contains significant updates to the information on treatments, chemotherapy drugs, bone marrow transplants, coping with side effects, and resources. It... |
 |
Fight Against Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Long Sleeve T-shirt Large White by Shop Zeus |
 |
Leukemia (The Biology of Cancer) by Donna M. Bozzone (Author) This book includes full-color photographs, glossary, sidebars, further reading, web sites, references, and an index. Leukemia, or cancer of the blood or bone marrow, occurs in both acute and chronic forms. While the exact causes of the disease are not known, several risk factors have been identified. There are four major types of leukemia: acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL), and chronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL), and treatments include chemotherapy, radiation, and bone marrow transplants. "Leukemia" discusses the science of leukemia, theories about its causes, the history of the disease, and the current treatments and how they work. |
 |
Understanding MDS/Leukemia Part of the award winning public television series Healthy Body/Healthy Mind. It can begin as a harmless case of fatigue but can lead to a blood transfusion or possible bone marrow transplant. It's a disease virtually unknown to the general public and often not diagnosed by medical caregivers. Mylodysplastic syndrome, or MDS, is a disorder of the bone marrow and can lead to leukemia and eventually death. In this program, success stories abound as researchers struggle to find answers. This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply. |
 |
Adult Leukemia: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families by Barbara Lackritz (Author) For the tens of thousands of Americans with adult leukemia, the condition, which is really a group of diseases, is often a baffling one for patients and families to understand, and finding targeted information on individual conditions can be difficult. In straightforward language, Adult Leukemia: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families addresses: Diagnosis and medical testsFinding a good oncologistTreatmentsSide effectsEmotional responses to diagnosis, treatment, remission, possible recurrenceGetting support from your family, friends, employers, and the broader community Author Barb "Grannybarb" Lackritz is a leading patient activist in the leukemia community and herself a long-term leukemia survivor. She emphasizes the promising emerging treatments for leukemia, covering in... |
 |
Leukemia Awareness Green Genuine Swarovski Crystal Bracelet by SilverSpeck.com This Beautiful Green Genuine Swarovski Crystal Bracelet Is the Perfect Bracelet you have been waiting for. It has a Sparking Glimmer and is beaded on a Comfort Stretch band. Looks great when worn with a few at a time or alone. Crystal beads can also be used to create your own jewelry! Very Stylish and Pretty! |
 |
When Cancer Calls … Say Yes to Life: The Story of One Man’s Journey through Leukemia by Rusty Hammer (Author) “Rusty Hammer is an inspiration … We have watched his battle with admiration, for it is a tribute to the human spirit, and to the dignity and courage of a good man.” —Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa， City of Los Angeles Shortly after his fiftieth birthday in 2003, Rusty Hammer’s life irrevocably changed. Diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of leukemia, he had two choices: fight or give in. And he chose to fight. When Cancer Calls … Say Yes to Life shares Rusty Hammer’s courageous journey through cancer. With rare candor, Hammer describes how he faced his future with hope instead of succumbing to the blackness of despair. Hammer illustrates how imperative it is to live our lives to the fullest for our own emotional and physical well-being. ... |
 |
Fight Against Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia T-shirt Large White by Shop Zeus |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |