A study using polymerase chain reaction detects MRD in long-term CML survivors, finding that approximately 25% of patients had evidence of disease at some time after transplant. The team aims to identify patients who appear cured but may still harbor disease and benefit from early therapeutic intervention.
Researchers found that stem cells provide a higher two-year survival rate (70%) compared to marrow transplants (45%) for certain high-risk blood cancer patients. The study suggests that stem cell transplants may offer fewer relapses with fewer complications.
A new pediatric cancer program in El Salvador has shown remarkable success, achieving remission and cure rates of over 80% for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This model program, developed by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, aims to improve survival rates for children with cancer worldwide.