Articles tagged with Leukemia
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.
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
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital developed a mouse model that explains why gene therapy treatment caused leukemia in some severe immune deficiency patients with XSCID. The study found that the disease itself makes mice susceptible to cancer caused by gene therapy, offering hope for safe treatment.
Researchers found that a normal gene involved in mammary gland function helps trigger a lethal type of leukemia when mutated. The discovery suggests that drugs targeting this mutation may have fewer serious side effects in leukemia patients.
Researchers discovered a mutation in the MPL gene that activates the JAK-STAT pathway, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and leukemia. The new finding offers potential targets for drugs targeting the JAK-STAT pathway, which may be effective against leukemias caused by either the MPL or JAK2 mutations.
A phase I clinical trial reveals nilotinib has a relatively favorable safety profile and demonstrates activity against drug-resistant CML, with notable improvements in chronic phase CML patients. However, the agent shows less activity in acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients and may require careful monitoring for cardiac events.
Researchers have developed a new treatment option that breaks Leukemia's resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy by targeting specific cells with alpha particles. This approach increases the dose to leukemia cells, causing cell kill while sparing non-target tissues from detrimental radiation effects.
A five-year update from the IRIS Study Group shows excellent results for people with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) treated with Gleevec, a targeted cancer therapy. Overall survival rates reach 89% at five years, with fewer than 1% of patients progressing to accelerated or blast crisis phases.
VIB researchers have found a new treatment option for chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL), a rare and aggressive type of leukemia. The breakthrough is due to the discovery that Sorafenib, an existing kidney tumor treatment, works effectively against CEL.
Research suggests that a genetic mutation in the Arf gene can cause leukemias to resist Gleevec treatment, leading to aggressive disease progression. This finding may lead to new treatments that re-sensitize tumor cells to Gleevec therapies.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that a combination of the Bcr-Abl mutation and loss of both Arf genes in bone marrow cells triggers an aggressive form of ALL. Inactivating both Arf genes enables leukemic cells to multiply despite imatinib treatment, highlighting potential strategies for overcoming resistance.
A study by Ohio State University researchers discovered a set of 17 miRNAs turned off during normal megakaryocyte differentiation, creating a molecular signature for healthy platelets. In contrast, 10 miRNAs were found to be turned on in acute megakaryoblastic leukemia cells, suggesting a potential target for new therapies.
A new study suggests that high dietary folate intake may be associated with a reduced risk of pancreatic cancer. The research followed over 81,000 men and women for an average of 6.8 years and observed 135 cases of pancreatic cancer during this time. Men and women with higher folate intakes had lower incidence rates of the disease comp...
Researchers found encouraging preliminary findings in four patients with CLL who improved after taking EGCG, an extract of green tea. However, more studies are needed to determine the optimal dose and side effects before recommending widespread use.
Researchers found elevated tungsten and cobalt levels in Fallon's air, differing from nearby towns. The findings suggest a possible environmental cause for childhood leukemia cases in the area, prompting further research to examine the relationship between these metals and cancer development.
UC Davis researchers found that therapy-induced leukemia develops from the rearrangement of the MLL gene and factors that activate programmed cell death. The process may be preventable by completing apoptosis in cancer cells, offering a potential treatment avenue.
Researchers have discovered a key process underlying CML progression and identified an agent that can block it. Forskolin restores normal cell functioning in Gleevec-resistant cells, offering new treatment options for patients with advanced or resistant disease.
The study found that phosphatase 2A activation modulates key cell survival molecules and induces growth suppression, cell differentiation, and apoptosis in BCR/ABL cell lines. Restoration of PP2A activity in CML-BC patient cells counteracted leukemia development.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center discovered a new agent, Bay 43-9006, that targets the Mcl-1 protein to inhibit leukemia cell survival. The study found that Bay 43-9006 reduces Mcl-1 levels through an unusual mechanism, inhibiting protein synthesis.
Researchers found menin promotes acute leukemia by working with mutated MLL proteins, leading to the formation of cancer cells. Removing menin stops cell proliferation and allows cells to mature into healthy blood cells.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a new monoclonal antibody targeting immune system B cells that shows promise in treating leukemias, autoimmune diseases, and transplant rejection. The treatment effectively depletes malignant B cell tumors and reduces circulating antibody levels.
Researchers at Stanford University have found a connection between aging, infection, and leukemia in blood-forming stem cells. These cells were found to produce fewer immune cells and turn on cancer-causing genes, contributing to the development of certain types of leukemia.
A new study reveals that transplantation of healthy germ cells can restore fertility in males who have undergone chemotherapy for childhood leukemia. Additionally, researchers identified a potential biomarker, claudin-1, which may be exploited to detect colon cancer progression and inform therapeutic strategies.
Researchers describe a method to distinguish and separate healthy sperm stem cells from leukemic cells in mice. The transplanted cells successfully colonized and produced healthy offspring, paving the way for the treatment of infertility caused by chemotherapy in childhood leukemia patients.