Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia report complete remission in two pediatric ALL patients treated with novel cell therapy. The treatment, known as CTL019, uses engineered T cells that target a specific protein on the surface of leukemia cells, achieving a potent anticancer effect.
An international research team has discovered a possible alternative treatment for lymphoid leukemia that eradicated the disease in mouse models. The targeted molecular therapy could make leukemia more susceptible to chemo and radiation therapies, benefiting patients with Acute Lymphoid Leukemia (ALL).
Scientists have identified a molecule called Gfi1 that represents the disease's Achilles' heel and could be targeted to develop a new approach. This discovery has direct implications for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a cancer of the bone marrow and blood that progresses rapidly.
Researchers have identified 7 new genes with a key role in T-ALL, a form of leukemia primarily affecting children. The study also found that defects in the ribosome can play a role in cancer activation, offering potential new targets for treatment.
Researchers identified a possible hereditary mechanism for childhood leukemia, linking a genetic defect in sex cells to the disease. The study found that atypical forms of the PRDM9 gene variant increase children's risk of developing acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a vegetable compound that can reduce the number of acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells. Sulforaphane, found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, was shown to kill cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unaffected in lab tests.
Researchers found that a weekly dose of the targeted drug inotuzumab ozogamicin reduces side effects and maintains its effectiveness against acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) in patients. The treatment showed an overall response rate of 57% with manageable toxicities.
A Phase 2 clinical trial found that combining ibrutinib and rituximab produced profound responses in high-risk CLL patients with minimal side effects. Researchers hope to further develop the treatment for this aggressive form of leukemia.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia use bioengineered T cells to destroy leukemia cells, achieving a complete response in a 7-year-old girl. The treatment, known as CTL019, also stimulates an immune response and can be combined with immunomodulating drugs to reduce side effects.
Researchers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center discovered that high levels of interleukin-15 can cause large granular lymphocytic leukemia, a rare and usually fatal form of cancer. The study led to the development of a treatment with no discernible side effects.
Researchers have identified potential new prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for adult B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia. A study found that changes in the epigenetic code are linked to aggressive traits in the disease.
Researchers have developed a new technique to study how myeloids become white blood cells, providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms at work during this process. This approach offers potential improvements in treating myeloid diseases like leukemia by identifying key regulatory pathways and developing therapeutic strategies.
Scientists have developed a new video protocol to isolate brain tumor initiating stem cells from primary brain tumors, allowing for quick and efficient analysis of target cells. This approach has been effectively used to identify similar stem cells in leukemia patients.
Researchers at Northwestern University have identified two promising therapies to treat AMKL: alisertib and dimethylfasudil. Alisertib targets Aurora A kinase and shows promise in mouse models, while dimethylfasudil boosts mature bone marrow cells and inhibits malignant ones.
Researchers tested blood samples from 300 people for the presence of XMRV and pMLV genes, eliminating potential contamination that led to earlier false positives. No correlation between these viruses and chronic fatigue syndrome was found, refuting previous speculation.
Researchers at URMC have identified a new genetic signature for leukemia that can be used to target rogue cells. They found approximately 70 genes associated with the growth and survival of leukemia cells, opening up new avenues for drug discovery.
Researchers identified 38 prognostic subnetworks of interacting genes that predict cancer progression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The study helps define how CLL evolves over time, becoming more aggressive and deadly.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati discovered a new gene target for leukemia therapy by inhibiting the protein Vav3, which controls cell signaling. This finding could lead to cellular targets for patients with BCR-ABL lymphoid leukemia, a type of leukemia with poor treatment outcomes.
A new study led by University of Rochester Medical Center researcher Barbara L. Asselin shows that giving a cardio-protective drug during cancer treatment may prevent damage to the hearts of childhood leukemia survivors. The study found that the drug Zinecard significantly reduced heart problems and damage in patients who received it.
Researchers at Ohio State University have identified a 'life-and-death' molecule on the surface of chronic leukemia cells that targets CD37. The finding could lead to more effective therapy for CLL, an as yet incurable cancer that occurs in over 16,000 Americans annually.
Researchers discovered that 40% of LGL patients have a STAT3 mutation, which may aid in diagnosing and treating the disease. The mutation is also associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis, opening new avenues for understanding its pathogenesis.
A phase I/II clinical trial indicates that older patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia respond well to the experimental drug ibrutinib, which has few side effects and a high one-year survival rate. The study suggests that ibrutinib deserves further testing as a first-line therapy for elderly CLL patients.
A study has found that high-throughput sequencing can detect minimal residual disease in nearly double the number of leukemia patients as current gold standard method. This technology offers a greater chance of survival by predicting disease relapse sooner.
Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine identified G protein-coupled receptors as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The expression of specific GPCRs, such as VIPR1, is linked to disease stage and prognosis.
Researchers have identified microRNA-155 as a molecule that controls the severity of acute graft-versus-host disease in leukemia patients who receive bone-marrow transplants. Reducing or blocking miR-155 expression decreases GVHD severity and increases survival, suggesting a new strategy for treating the condition.
A team of researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine has developed a new theranostic agent for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The agent combines a diagnostic test with targeted therapy to provide personalized treatments for pediatric leukemia.
Yale researchers found that megakaryocytes grow 10-15 times larger than other blood cells through endomitosis, but a malfunction in this process may lead to leukemia. The discovery reveals the formation of functional platelets and provides clues about what may go awry to transform normal megakaryocytes into malignant leukemia cells.
Research identifies increased expression of Dyrk1a as a potential explanation for the increased risk of acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL) in children with Down syndrome. A candidate therapeutic target, small-molecule inhibitors of DYRK1A activity, have been proposed.
A study in a mouse model of Down syndrome identifies increased expression of protein Dyrk1a as a promoter of acute megakaryoblastic leukemia, offering a candidate therapeutic target for treatment.
Research identifies SIRT1 as a key enzyme protecting leukemia stem cells from stress and driving cancer recurrence. Inhibiting SIRT1 selectively reduces CML stem cell survival and growth, offering a potential therapeutic target for treatment resistance.
Researchers at URMC discovered a link between leukemia cells and bone formation, finding that leukemia alters the balance of osteoblast and osteoclast activity. The study suggests that targeting osteoclasts could be a potential treatment strategy for leukemia.
Researchers found that blocking HSP90 activity renders protected proteins vulnerable to destruction, slowing the growth of MIF-expressing breast tumors. HSP90 inhibitors also showed promise in slowing leukemia cell growth driven by hyperactive JAK2 enzyme versions.
A team of researchers identified genetic mutations in OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 as the cause of Rotor syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by jaundice. Complete deficiency of these proteins causes human Rotor syndrome by interrupting conjugated bilirubin reuptake into the liver.
A Penn State research team has discovered a compound produced from fish oil that targets and kills leukemia stem cells, potentially leading to a cure for the disease. The compound, D12-PGJ3, selectively activates a gene in leukemia stem cells that programs their own death.
Researchers discovered nine frequently mutated genes in CLL that may help predict disease progression and guide treatment. The study identified new cancer pathway aberrant RNA splicing, which could lead to novel targeted treatments.
A phase Ib/II clinical trial reveals that PCI-32765 is highly active and well-tolerated in 61 relapsed CLL patients, with 70% achieving complete or partial remission after 10 months of treatment. The agent targets Bruton's tyrosine kinase, a key protein for CLL-cell survival.
A study published in Blood has identified a potential marker, PD-1, that is more frequently found in young leukemia patients who experience relapses. This discovery could lead to the development of simple tests to predict relapse, reducing the risk for these vulnerable individuals.
Researchers at Princess Margaret Cancer Program have identified a promising approach to treating leukemia using the antibiotic tigecycline. By cutting off energy production in leukemia stem cells, the drug can selectively destroy these cancerous cells while sparing healthy ones.
Researchers have identified a gene variant associated with an increased risk of leukemia relapse in young patients treated with E. coli asparaginase, a common chemotherapy drug. This discovery may lead to personalized treatment approaches based on genetic profiles.
Scientists at Ohio State University have created a technique called nanochannel electroporation (NEP) that allows for precise injection of genes and proteins into individual cells. The method uses electrical pulses to deliver therapeutic agents, with potential applications in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
A new drug combination of fludarabine and alemtuzumab significantly increases progression-free survival and prolongs the lives of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The treatment spares patients from toxicities and offers a more convenient dosing schedule.
A newly identified DNA repair defect may leave some young leukemia patients less likely to benefit from chemotherapy, increasing the risk of relapse. The study found low levels of a key protein and missing regulatory genes in leukemia cells, suggesting a potential new marker for high-risk patients.
Researchers have found that Fasudil, a vasodilator used to treat cardiovascular problems, can slow the growth of leukemia cells by blocking the activity of Rho kinase. The study showed promising results in laboratory tests and extended survival in mice with leukemia.
A group of mutations in the interleukin-7 receptor gene have been identified in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation. Researchers found that certain pharmaceutical drugs already in clinical use can eliminate these cells, providing a potential therapeutic approach against leukemia.
Scientists found that high levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) expression are required for leukemia-initiating cell activity in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Blocking IGF1R using inhibitors or reducing its expression significantly impaired leukemia stem cells' self-renewal capacity.
Research suggests that blood stem cells may play a role in the development of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a cancer of mature white blood cells. CLL often begins with an asymptomatic proliferation of B cells called monoclonal B lymphocytosis (MBL). The study found that hematopoietic stem cells, which can give rise to any type of...
A UT Southwestern men's support group has published a book to reach out to husbands and partners of women with cancer. The book shares stories of five men who know firsthand what it's like to love and care for a cancer patient, offering emotional support and practical advice.
Researchers at the University of Western Ontario identified two key genes, PU.1 and Spi-B, that appear essential in preventing B cell ALL, the most common form of ALL in children. The study found these genes function as unanticipated 'tumor suppressor' genes that prevent leukemia.
Researchers have discovered new gene mutations in CLL patients, linking NOTCH1 pathway to poorer prognosis and shorter survival. The findings suggest the potential for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in human CLL.
The National Institutes of Health has signed a research and development agreement with two non-profit organizations to develop potential clinical therapies for rare blood cancers. The collaboration aims to bridge the gap between basic research and human testing, with the goal of accelerating the delivery of improved therapies to patients.
A study published in Nature shows that a combination therapy of RI-BPI and Gleevec eradicates cancer in cell and animal studies, targeting the Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) form of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This breakthrough offers new hope for improved survival rates for children with this aggressive cancer.
A phase II study by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that an antibody-guided chemotherapy drug eradicated or greatly reduced ALL cells in 61% of patients with resistant or recurrent disease. This makes it a potential most active single-agent therapy for ALL.
Ray Johnston, a former NBA player, has survived acute promyelocytic leukemia thanks to experimental drug tamibarotene, which induced cancer cells to differentiate into mature cells. The rare form of leukemia is typically curable with current therapies but becomes more resistant and harder to treat upon relapse.
Researchers at UCSF have identified BCL6, a protein that leukemia cells use to survive treatment, as the basis for drug resistance. Targeting this protein may lead to more powerful cancer drugs and improved cure rates for children with leukemia.
Researchers identified previously undiscovered high-risk genetic features in T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (T-ALL) using zebrafish models. These genetic characteristics can predict which patients are more likely to experience aggressive forms of the disease that recur after treatment or do not respond to therapy.
Cancer cells that reign during leukemia relapses have distinct DNA profiles compared to those at diagnosis. These mutated cells exhibit aggressive behavior in mice, suggesting a possible link between human and mouse models.
Researchers identified a potential new treatment for juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia, a rare form of childhood leukemia. The experimental drug, known as a MEK inhibitor, alleviated symptoms and delayed disease progression in mouse models.
Patients with CML taking imatinib in remission after two years have a mortality rate similar to the general population. Despite side effects, survival rates remain high even after eight years of treatment.
St. Jude researchers found that 18.3% of relapsed childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients had alterations in the CREBBP gene, compared to just 1% in non-relapsed patients. The study suggests that CREBBP mutations may be a potential indicator of relapse risk.
Researchers identified a small subset of NKT cells in normal white blood cells that give rise to rare large granular lymphocyte leukemia. Targeting interleukin-15 signaling and NKp46 may offer a new way to prevent this leukemia.