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Scanning for cancer treatment

Researchers combined CRISPR with drug discovery to understand how AML treatment works and which weaknesses can be exploited. The study revealed that LSD1-GFI1B relationship is critical for AML survival, enabling more targeted treatments.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 15, 2019

An atlas of an aggressive leukemia

A team of researchers has created a detailed 'atlas' of cell states for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a type of aggressive cancer. The atlas, generated using single-cell genomics and machine learning, identifies distinct cell types and their genetic characteristics, shedding light on the disease's heterogeneity.

91 percent response rate for venetoclax against newly diagnosed AML in older adults

A new combination treatment of venetoclax and azacitidine has shown a 91 percent response rate in older adults with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The treatment has been associated with no more side effects than the use of azacitidine alone, and patients with IDH mutations have experienced long-lasting responses.

Cancer stem cells get energy from protein, and it's proving to be their Achilles' heel

A recent study found that cancer stem cells rely on amino acids for energy, rather than glucose, and this difference makes them susceptible to targeting without harming healthy cells. Researchers have already shown promise with this approach in clinical trials against acute myeloid leukemia, with potential applications to other cancers.

Combination chemotherapy and immunotherapy effective in Phase II leukemia study

A Phase II study found a combination of azacitidine and nivolumab therapy resulted in a 33% overall response rate and 22% complete remission rate for patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia. The drug combination was particularly effective in patients who had not previously received hypomethylating agents, with an overa...

Relapsed leukemia flies under immune system's radar

Researchers found that relapsed leukemia cells have reduced expression of genes involved in immune recognition, making them invisible to the immune system. Interferon gamma has been shown to turn back on these hidden immune markers, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for AML patients who relapse after transplantation.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 31, 2018

Solution to medical mystery may help some children avoid bone marrow transplantation

A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and UCSF identified germline mutations in the genes SAMD9 or SAMD9L as responsible for a rare bone marrow disorder, myelodysplasia and leukemia syndrome with monosomy 7. The research found that some children with these mutations can spontaneously recover normal bone marrow function witho...

Taming a fatal blood cancer

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have found a potential therapeutic target for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a deadly blood cancer with a dismal survival rate. By targeting the F-box protein Skp2, they were able to kill AML cells and induce healthy white blood cell regeneration in preclinical tests.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 11, 2018

Study of acute myeloid leukemia patients shows protein inhibitor drug safe and effective with durable remissions

A Phase I trial shows ivosidenib, a protein inhibitor drug, is safe and effective for treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with IDH1 mutations. The study achieved an overall response rate of 41.6% and complete remission rates of 21.6%, with improved survival rates at 18 months compared to historical controls.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 2, 2018

Single surface protein boosts multiple oncogenic pathways in acute myeloid leukemia

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that a signaling protein called interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein (IL1RAP) plays a critical role in driving the development and progression of acute myeloid leukemia. IL1RAP amplifies multiple key pathways, making it a promising target for treatment.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 17, 2018

Novel pathway identified in development of acute myeloid leukemia with poor prognosis

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has a poor five-year survival rate of less than 20%. Researchers at the National University of Singapore identified a novel molecular pathway involving circadian clock gene SHARP1, which causes AML growth. Removing or reducing SHARP1 levels can stop leukemic cell growth.

New insights into treating a rare leukemia

A study published in Leukemia found that starting mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) treatment with a less-toxic regimen is linked to better remission rates and long-term survival. Patients treated initially with ALL therapy were three to five times more likely to achieve complete remission than those receiving AML therapy.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalLeukemia·DateFeb 27, 2018