Articles tagged with Leukemia
A randomized trial found that the ALL-2 regimen of cytarabine with high-dose mitoxantrone improved complete remission rates and survival outcomes for patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia. The regimen demonstrated a significant survival advantage, particularly in patients with the Philadelphia chromosome genetic predisposition.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a novel anti-leukemia drug, PD166326, that is nearly 100 times more potent than the current treatment, Gleevec. The study shows the new drug effectively inhibits mutated enzyme activity and reduces white blood cell count in mice with leukemia.
Researchers identified a common genetic mutation, JAK2, in patients with polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and myeloid metaplasia with myelofibrosis. The study used high-throughput DNA sequencing analysis to compare blood and mouth-swab samples from 164 PV patients, 115 ET patients, and 46 MMM patients.
Recent research in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) identifies genetic and protein markers that can predict patient outcomes. These new markers may enable earlier treatment, improving survival rates and altering the disease's progression.
Researchers found that mice with leukemia develop a similar DNA methylation pattern as humans, identifying a new gene linked to cancer. The study uses genome-wide sequencing to map tiny bits of DNA and reveals a potential target for intervention.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed a new compound, AMN107, which targets Bcr-Abl kinase protein responsible for CML growth. In laboratory cell cultures and mice with the disease, AMN107 demonstrated effectiveness in killing CML cells and inducing longer remissions compared to Gleevec.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed a new hybrid targeted therapy, AMN107, which kills CML cells more effectively than Gleevec and triggers longer remissions in mice. The study's findings suggest that AMN107 may be an effective treatment option for patients with Gleevec-resistant disease.
A mouse model of leukemia reveals a causal link between Shp2 mutations and leukemia, pointing to these mutants as attractive therapeutic targets. The study's findings suggest that current treatments are often ineffective and highlight the need for clinical trials of Ras/Mek inhibitors.
Researchers found that CLL cells divide at a fast rate and their production is variable, leading to fluctuations in disease activity. This dynamic interplay between cell division and death rates challenges the long-held view of CLL as an accumulative disorder.
Researchers using 'heavy water' tracked leukemia cell birth and death rates, revealing dynamic process with mortal cells that proliferate and die. The study found faster birth rates of leukemia cells correlate with poorer patient outcomes, paving the way for potential new methods of prediction and treatment guidance.
Researchers have discovered a new leukemia drug that can overcome all forms of Gleevec resistance, a significant breakthrough for patients with advanced CML. The drug, ON012380, blocks a different site in the BCR-ABL protein and induces cell death in all known Gleevec-resistant mutants.
A new technique allows for successful cord blood transplants in high-risk acute and chronic leukemia patients, with disease-free survival rates of 57% at one year. The study's findings offer hope to thousands more patients who were previously ineligible due to lack of suitable donor units.
Researchers found that leukemia cells overexpress Lyn enzyme, allowing them to evade apoptosis. Inhibiting Lyn activity restored normal cell death processes and decreased malignant cell growth.
A combination of two biologic agents, alemtuzumab and rituximab, with chemotherapy has shown a promising response rate of 55% in CLL relapse patients. Complete remission was achieved by 23% of patients, while leukemia levels were reduced by at least half in 35% of cases.
A study found that cord blood stem cells can be used in transplants for leukemia patients without a matched relative or donor, resulting in high survival rates. The availability of umbilical cord blood provides a logical choice for doctors and patients when a matching bone marrow donor cannot be found.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found a gene-silencing technique that induces cell death in drug-resistant CML cells. The technique targets the Lyn kinase enzyme, which is essential for cancerous blood cells to survive and grow.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have received a $5 million grant to develop new drugs targeting leukemia. The project aims to selectively inhibit altered proteins in leukemia patients, leading to improved treatment outcomes.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism for the formation of active cancer genes in T-cell acute lymphatic leukemia (T-ALL), leading to an uncontrolled growth of immature white blood cells. The study suggests using Glivec, a kinase inhibitor that targets ABL1, as a potential treatment for T-ALL patients.
Researchers found that a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, and protein sources like beef and beans can lower the risk of childhood leukemia. Glutathione, an antioxidant found in these foods, plays a key role in reducing cancer risk.
Researchers found that Smad3 protein was present in B-cell and non-lymphocyte samples but almost absent in T-cell samples. In mice, deletion of the Smad3 gene impairs TGF-B's ability to stop T-cell proliferation. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms behind Smad3's absence in childhood T-cell leukemia.
Researchers identify TAL1/SCL as a key player in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), a cancer that affects 10%-15% of pediatric and 25% of adult patients. Disrupting TAL1/SCL's interaction with E47/HEB may offer new therapeutic avenues for these patients, who respond poorly to current chemotherapies.
A new biologic drug, Lipo-ATRA, offers long-term disease-free survival to patients with rare acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) without traditional chemotherapy. In a small trial, approximately one-third of patients remained in remission for over five years after treatment.
A study by Dr. Karen L. Syrjala found that physical recovery occurs earlier than psychological or work recovery after HCT for leukemia or lymphoma treatment. Recovery can take up to 5 years, with 84% of survivors returning to full-time work. Factors such as depression and social support before HCT can impact recovery.
Recovery after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) occurs gradually over 1 to 5 years, with physical function improving earlier than psychological and work recovery. After HCT, most patients recover from treatment-related distress but may experience depression and delayed return to full-time work.
Researchers at Boston College are studying the molecular mechanisms of B-1a cells, which can lead to autoimmune diseases and leukemias like chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The new NIH-funded program project aims to understand how these cells proliferate and enter the cell cycle.
Researchers found a novel genetic insertion associated with increased MCL-1 gene expression, leading to reduced response to chemotherapy and poorer outcomes. This discovery provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) progression.
A retrospective study of 249 children with ALL found that most chromosome abnormalities had little impact on prognosis, except for those involving the loss of chromosomes 7 and 9. In these cases, only 15% remained disease-free five years after treatment.
Scientists at Georgia Tech are testing compounds that may inhibit the enzyme essential for the HTLV-I virus's reproduction, with potential as treatments for the fatal adult T-cell leukemia. The research aims to develop better inhibitors of the protease enzyme, which could lead to a new pharmaceutical agent in about five years.
Researchers found that higher doses of imatinib were more effective in achieving complete cytogenetic response (CCR) and complete molecular response, with a CCR rate of 90% compared to 60-75%. The high dosage was also well-tolerated with similar side effects as standard dose imatinib.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have discovered that green tea's epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) component can help kill leukemia cells by disrupting their ability to survive. The study found that EGCG interrupted survival signals, prompting leukemia cells to die in eight of ten patient samples tested.
A new DNA test using Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy has been developed to identify patients with myelodysplasia (MDS) or those at high risk of developing the disease. The test is highly predictive and can distinguish MDS patients from those with non-malignant bone marrow disorders.
Researchers discovered that BCR/ABL oncogene blocks normal DNA repair mechanism, leading to genetic mutations and blast crisis. This breakthrough may lead to long-term treatment for chronic myelogenous leukemia, a fatal blood cancer affecting people over 40.
Researchers used gene expression analysis to measure the activity of thousands of genes in adult T cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (T-ALL) patients. They identified a single gene, IL-8, that was highly expressed in resistant patients and found a group of 30 genes associated with complete remissions.
The Mixed-Lineage Leukemia (MLL) gene plays a crucial role in blood cell development, with its absence resulting in the failure to produce normal blood cells. MLL regulates critical genes necessary for hematopoiesis, a complex process of blood cell formation.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have discovered that the MLL gene is necessary for the development of master stem cells that generate all mature blood cells. The study suggests that MLL is part of a select set of genes required for all definitive blood lineages in the embryo.
The American Society of Hematology has awarded Gary Gilliland and Janet Rowley for their significant contributions to hematology research. Dr. Gilliland's work on the molecular pathogenesis of leukemia and discovery of a cause for hypereosinophilic syndrome have provided new ways to understand cancer, while Dr. Rowley's discoveries of ...
Researchers discovered a significant improvement in overall survival for people with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) after using the antibody rituximab plus fludarabine, increasing progression-free survival by 22% and overall survival by 12%.
Researchers identified three strongly predictive genes - OPAL1, GNB2L1, and IL-10 receptor alpha - that were associated with better outcomes in pediatric ALL patients. These genes may help improve risk classification and outcome prediction for acute leukemia in children.
A newly discovered protease enzyme, Taspase1, plays a crucial role in the MLL protein's dual-function. Blocking Taspase1 may provide a novel way to halt runaway cell proliferation in leukemia. Enzyme inhibitors with few side effects could be effective against various cancers.
A new study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that black children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) can achieve high cure rates comparable to those of white children, contradicting previous clinical studies. The research suggests that personalized risk-directed therapy played a key role in overcoming disparities in t...
Researchers used DNA microarray technology to identify seven major subtypes of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia, including six known prognostic subtypes. This discovery enables more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans based on a patient's unique expression profile.
A study found that using aggressive chemotherapy with high doses of methotrexate, asparaginase, and doxorubicin improves survival rates for children with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia by 15 percentage points. The new approach also showed minimal long-term effects beyond those seen in lower-dose treatment regimens.
Dr. Rawal has developed a rapid and straightforward reaction that can assemble pieces of complex molecules with high accuracy. This innovation is expected to improve the performance of anticancer drugs like vincristine, which has been used successfully in treating childhood leukemia.
A new monoclonal antibody combination therapy has been found to be highly effective in treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia, with a remarkable 69% complete remission rate. The treatment, which combines two chemotherapy drugs with Rituximab, shows promising results across all age groups and stages of the disease.
Researchers have developed a new tool to study mankind's diseases by using bacteria as 'copy machines' for DNA taken from other organisms. The tool, called Red/ET recombination, allows scientists to engineer large DNA molecules and insert artificial versions of genes into living systems.
A study led by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that Gleevec, a drug used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), does not effectively target CNS leukemia in the brain or spinal fluid. The research revealed that Gleevec poorly penetrates the blood-brain barrier, allowing leukemia cells to avoid eradication.
Researchers have created a zebrafish model that can help pinpoint genes accelerating or delaying the spread of T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The model will enable testing of novel drugs against the disease, potentially leading to new treatments for cancer patients at risk.
Scientists have discovered that BID protein plays a crucial role in regulating apoptosis of myeloid cells, which are prone to developing CMML. In mice genetically engineered to lack BID, researchers found an overexpansion of myeloid cells leading to leukemia, highlighting potential tumor suppression roles for other BH3-only proteins.
The MLL protein edits the histone code at specific sites, regulating Hox gene expression and contributing to leukemia. This study highlights the importance of the histone code in developmental biology and disease.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has awarded a $7 million grant to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center researchers to develop new, more tolerable and effective therapies for blood cancers. The project aims to harness the immune system to selectively target cancer cells using immune cells or antibodies armed with toxic agents.
Researchers have identified organosulfur compounds, such as ADT, as effective in preventing lung cancer progression. Vitamin B12 analogues also showed promise in targeting chemotherapy drugs to tumor cells, while aminopeptidase inhibitors may help restore apoptosis in leukemia cells
Abnormalities in the mouth, like swollen gums and oral sores, can signal serious medical conditions. Regular oral exams can detect signs of nutritional deficiencies and systemic diseases.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University developed an animal model of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a disease characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of white blood cells. The model enables scientists to investigate biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying the disease and test potential new drugs.
Researchers found that mitoxantrone induction therapy significantly reduced disease activity in MS patients, with a 76% relapse-free rate at one year and 64% at four years. The annual relapse rate decreased by nearly 90% following treatment.
Researchers identified a genetic anomaly in mice resistant to the ecotropic murine leukemia virus, a major cancer-causing virus. By analyzing proteins, they found a defective protein that blocks viral entry, potentially leading to new gene therapies for humans.
Researchers are using spatial statistics to analyze cases of renal failure and leukemia in Texas. They found that the distribution of renal failure cases is consistent with random phenomena, but may have underlying hotspots for cancer cases.
Researchers developed a Herceptin-DM1 conjugate that targets HER2-positive breast cancer and shows complete regression in mice. Additionally, a new Bcr-Abl inhibitor called PD173955 demonstrates greater potency than Gleevec against leukemia cells, providing new hope for treatment-resistant cancers.
Researchers found that brief cycles of high-dose chemotherapy produced long-term disease-free survival in more than half of adults treated for Burkitt's small non-cleaved lymphoma and leukemia. The regimen achieved an 80% complete response rate, with 52% of patients remaining in continuous remission after five years.
A study published in JCI Journals reveals that an excess of healthy cells may hold leukemia in check. The researchers found that these healthy cells could be used as a therapeutic target to develop new treatments for the disease.
Researchers at UCSD Cancer Center develop a two-drug combination that tricks leukemia-causing gene Bcr-Abl into committing suicide, achieving complete eradication of CML cells. The treatment uses STI571 and Leptomycin B to mobilize and trap the oncogene in the nucleus.