Articles tagged with Leukemia
Two REVLIMID Phase II studies showed significant activity and tolerability in previously untreated CLL patients, achieving response rates of 52% and 96% with manageable side effects. The studies also indicated that continued treatment can improve response rates.
Researchers at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center report encouraging results from clinical trials of second-generation CML drugs nilotinib and dasatinib. These drugs have shown higher complete cytogenetic response rates compared to the frontline medication imatinib, with some patients achieving responses faster than ever seen before.
In a phase II clinical trial, lenalidomide demonstrated activity against chronic lymphocytic leukemia in elderly patients. The drug showed a favorable toxicity profile and achieved significant responses, including partial response in 54% of patients.
Four studies showcase treatment advances in blood cancers, including improved progression-free survival for patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia. A new tumor suppressor gene is also discovered in patients with myeloproliferative disorders.
Novel treatments, including fostamatinib disodium, have shown significant clinical activity in treating leukemia and lymphoma. The study found improved response rates and prolonged stable disease in patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Men who survived childhood leukemia treatment into adulthood have lower bone mineral density, increasing their risk of osteoporosis. The study found that male survivors were more likely than female survivors to have weaker bones, and shorter individuals also faced higher risks.
Researchers at UCSD have discovered a novel drug target, phosphodiesterase 7B (PDE7B), for treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Blocking PDE7B increases cAMP levels and causes CLL cells to undergo programmed cell death.
Researchers identified two genes that sensitize lymphoid progenitor cells to the effects of aging and confer resistance to leukemogenesis. These genes regulate cell cycle progression and mediate senescence and tumor suppression in aged cells.
A recent study published in Cancer Cell reveals a potential therapeutic approach for MLL-AF4 leukemias, a subtype of acute lymphoblastic leukemia that accounts for 70% of infant cases. By inhibiting the histone-modifying enzyme DOT1L, researchers hope to reverse cancer-promoting genes and improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a new diagnostic test that can identify rare leukemias in hours instead of weeks. The test uses cell-signaling pathways to decipher potentially dangerous molecular conversations, offering a more reliable assessment of risk and potential treatment options.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered a novel 'double agent' role for glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) in regulating cell growth. Inhibiting GSK3 combats leukemias caused by mutated MLL genes, which account for five to 10 percent of child and adult leukemias.
Advances in treatment have led to increased long-term survival for US children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute non-lymphoblastic leukemia, or non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Period analysis reveals improved survival rates between 1990 and 2004, with projections suggesting continued progress through molecularly targeted therapies.
Researchers explore new treatments for psoriasis, revealing a potential therapeutic option in AEB071, while cautioning further clinical trials are needed. Additionally, studies uncover the reasons behind gene therapy complications in SCID patients, shedding light on insertional oncogenesis and acquired somatic mutations.
Researchers discover that Angiocidin can differentiate leukemia cells into a normal, macrophage-like phenotype, making them susceptible to chemotherapy treatment. The protein also stimulates the immune system by up-regulating genes characteristic of immune cells.
Research by VIB-K.U.Leuven scientists finds that location in cell affects carcinogenicity of NUP214-ABL1 protein, a kinase linked to T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This discovery opens new avenues for targeted therapies and potential treatment approaches.
Researchers found that LYN kinase activation is associated with imatinib resistance in CML patients, a mechanism not explained by BCR-ABL mutations. Blocking LYN kinase restores imatinib responsiveness and triggers cell death.
A new mathematical model could lead to personalized vaccines for CML patients, strengthening the immune system during its weakest point. The study uses data from four years of imatinib therapy and recommends 'cancer vaccines' to combat drug resistance.
Researchers have developed a mathematical model that predicts optimal timing for a cancer vaccine in CML patients based on their immune response, which may lead to a cure. The model suggests boosting the immune system at a specific time when it starts weakening can provide a strong stimulation to combat leukemia cells.
A Phase 2 clinical trial of GCS-100, a polysaccharide targeting galectin-3, demonstrates apoptosis induction and reduced leukocyte counts in relapsed CLL patients. The treatment was generally well tolerated with mild-to-moderate adverse events.
Researchers have identified a combination of novel anti-cancer compounds that can kill chronic myelogenous leukemia cells previously resistant to conventional therapy. The combination involves a Bcr/Abl kinase inhibitor and a histone deacetylase inhibitor, which work together to induce programmed cell death in CML cells.
Researchers at UCLA identified a type of leukemia stem cell and uncovered the genetic mechanisms that cause normal blood stem cells to become cancerous. This discovery may lead to new therapies targeting these stem cells, potentially curing certain cancers.
The study found that a combination of genetic mutations, including the deletion of gene IKZF1, can initiate most cases of an aggressive form of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The researchers also identified cooperation between these genetic lesions and BCR-ABL1 expression.
Long-term childhood cancer survivors, especially those treated with radiation therapy, experience excess health problems and poor socioeconomic outcomes. The study found that survivors are more likely to have chronic medical conditions, mental health issues, and functional impairment compared to their siblings.
Researchers have identified a crucial role for antibodies in protecting against nontyphoidal strains of Salmonella bacteria, which causes fatal infections in African children. Meanwhile, a study on HOXB4 gene therapy found that early precursors can cause leukemia in large animals, highlighting the need for extreme caution in human trials.
Researchers at UCSD developed a gene therapy protocol that successfully activated the immune system in six patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The protocol introduced a gene with potential to activate an immune response and resulted in the production of antibodies reacting against leukemia cells.
Researchers at University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center report promising early results for bosutinib in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) who have developed resistance to frontline therapy. The drug has shown good efficacy and low toxicity, particularly when compared to other tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
A recent survey reveals a significant gap in knowledge among primary care physicians regarding rare blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. The findings emphasize the importance of education and referrals to specialists in improving patient survival rates. As long-term cancer survivors, patients are at risk of developing second cance...
A retrospective study found a link between erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and leukemic transformation in primary myelofibrosis patients. The research confirmed clinical and laboratory variables associated with leukemia development, including specific treatments that increased the risk of leukemic transformation.
Two drugs, dasatinib and nilotinib, are showing promising results as frontline therapy for newly diagnosed CML patients with high complete cytogenetic response rates of approximately 90% at 6 months. The treatments target a greater variety of genetic variations than imatinib, which has increased the 5-year survival rate for CML patient...
A peptide vaccine for leukemia improved event-free survival by 8.7 months compared to non-responders, with 36% of responders experiencing complete cytogenetic remission. The vaccine targets cancer cells and induces a specific immune response in patients with HLA-A2
Meis1 is required for maintaining leukemia stem cell properties in MLL leukemia, including self-renewal and differentiation arrest. The study provides new insights into the genetic underpinnings of MLL leukemogenesis.
A new study by Dartmouth Medical School researchers has identified a crucial pathway for blood stem cell turnover, which could lead to novel strategies for treating rare and aggressive infant leukemia. The research reveals that the Mixed Lineage Leukemia (MLL) gene plays an essential role in maintaining adult blood cells.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that congestive heart failure is rare among leukemia patients taking imatinib. Only 22 out of 1,276 patients developed symptoms that could be caused by heart failure, and most had underlying medical conditions that also contributed to their condition.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital reveals the loss of Arf gene and BCR-ABL mutation leaves cells vulnerable to growth-enhancing environment of bone marrow, promoting immunity to anti-leukemia drug imatinib.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients with Philadelphia chromosome (Ph+) experience poor response to imatinib due to emerging drug-resistant clones. Research reveals signals from the bone marrow microenvironment can sustain viability of Ph+ ALL cells, enabling rapid resistance development.
Researchers discovered that an experimental multiple sclerosis drug, fingolimod, may also help patients with certain lethal forms of leukemia. The study found that the drug prevents cancer cell development and kills leukemia cells in mouse models, suggesting a promising new approach for treating resistant cases.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a mathematical formula to assess disease cluster risk, providing an exact probability calculation in under five seconds. The formula was used to investigate two disease clusters, one likely due to chance and the other possibly caused by a common environmental factor.
A new type of engineered drug candidate has shown promise in treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia by targeting the CD37 protein on leukemia cells and triggering self-destruction. The agent works equally as well as rituximab, a commonly used treatment for CLL.
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has renewed its investment in young clinical cancer investigators, providing $2.25 million to support the development of their cancer research programs. Five new awardees will receive funding to investigate various types of cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, and esophageal cancer.
Researchers have confirmed that arsenic trioxide significantly improves patient survival in newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients. Nearly 600 patients participated in a six-year phase III study, showing improved disease-free rates and longer survival compared to standard chemotherapy alone.
A Phase II clinical trial at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center found dasatinib achieves complete cytogenetic response in 77-95% of newly diagnosed CML patients, compared to historical data on imatinib. The rapid response rate suggests dasatinib may be more effective as a first-line treatment for CML.
A new study identified a genetic mutation in the DAPK1 gene that increases the risk of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The mutation reduces the gene's protective activity and can be followed by a chemical change called DNA methylation, which leads to leukemia.
Research led by University of Arizona scientist Paul R. Sheppard found that tree rings from Fallon, Nev. showed quadrupled tungsten levels between 1990 and 2002, preceding a rise in childhood leukemia cases. The study suggests environmental contamination may be to blame for the cluster.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered a potent and selective killer of leukemia cells, specifically cyanidin-3-rutinoside, a naturally occurring compound found in many fruits and vegetables as well as red wine. This finding offers hope for a more targeted and less toxic therapy for leukemia.
Researchers have found that the novel targeted therapy NPI-0052 effectively treats acute leukemia in animal models by preventing cancer cells from being purged of damaged proteins. This approach has shown greater efficacy than its predecessor bortezomib when combined with other agents.
VIB researchers have discovered that MYB duplication is associated with T-ALL cases, leading to increased MYB concentrations. This finding opens up possibilities for targeted therapies against this specific group of patients.
A study found that survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia have a significantly increased risk of secondary cancers developing over time. The cumulative incidence of secondary neoplasms increases from 4.17% at 15 years to 10.85% at 30 years, with the majority being low-grade tumors.
Researchers at Stowers Institute have identified a cellular factor that can reverse histone trimethylation associated with mixed lineage leukemia. This discovery may lead to the identification of new targets for the treatment of leukemia caused by MLL translocations.
A new study has discovered a way to identify cells that will cause graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in blood cancer patients. This breakthrough allows for more reliable testing of donor T cells and personalized medicine approaches, potentially saving thousands of lives.
Scientists identified an approach to boost the activity of dasatinib, a potent anti-cancer agent, by combining it with PD184352. This combination resulted in increased apoptosis in leukemia cells, particularly those resistant to imatinib mesylate.
Researchers discovered that arsenite destabilizes lysosomes, breaking them apart and releasing enzymes that destroy APL cells. This finding could inform further research into treating APL, a rare cancer caused by chromosome fusion.
Two microRNAs, miR-29 and miR-181, have been found to control the expression of the TCL1 oncogene responsible for aggressive forms of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia. High levels of these miRNAs suppress TCL1 expression, while low levels correlate with more aggressive cancer.
A novel regimen of three chemotherapy drugs resulted in a significant clinical response in patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The treatment showed promise for high-risk patients, with no age restrictions, and minimal side effects.
A five-year study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that Gleevec has a nearly 90% overall survival rate for patients with CML, significantly improving patient outcomes compared to previous estimates of five years.
A new research effort harnesses in-depth understanding of genes and molecular pathways to develop highly specific drugs designed to kill leukemia cells while causing few or no toxic effects on normal cells. The goal is to streamline advances in molecular medicine to find new treatment options for infant leukemia.
A phase II study found that lenalidomide significantly improves clinical outcomes in patients with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), achieving a major response in 47% of patients. The medication's predictable safety profile and manageable side effects make it an attractive alternative for treatment.
Children who survive childhood cancer are more likely to experience strokes later in life. Cranial radiation therapy increases the risk of stroke in these patients. Researchers are now exploring ways to screen and prevent strokes in high-risk survivors.
A study at The Wistar Institute found that blocking certain enzymes may inhibit chronic inflammation in blood vessel walls, but also promotes leukemia in mice. The researchers identified a strain of mice lacking the gene for a specific lipoxygenase enzyme, which closely mimics human CML and offers a new model for studying the disease.
Researchers identify crucial role of RhoH GTPase in development and activation of white blood cells, suggesting potential target for leukemia treatment. The study's findings may provide a novel approach to treating hematological malignancy.
Researchers discovered that JAK/STAT signaling can change the genetic packaging of DNA, leading to the activation of previously silenced genes and contributing to cancer. This finding suggests a new mechanism for cancer development and has implications for cancer treatment.