RYE BROOK, N.Y., February 14, 2024 – Research published recently in two premier scientific journals, Nature and Science, demonstrates how LLS support is advancing blood cancer research in new and exciting ways.
“As these two studies demonstrate, there are many important ways to improve the health and quality of life of blood cancer patients and their families” says LLS Chief Scientific Officer Lee Greenberger, Ph.D. “In one case, groundbreaking new technology is helping with earlier diagnosis and better monitoring of cancer treatments and in the other, a new drug class holds promise for helping patients achieve long-term remissions as we work toward a cure for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, the most common type of leukemia in adults.”
Overcoming a serious treatment limitation for chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Drugs called BTK inhibitors block Bruton’s tyrosine kinase, which plays a crucial role in the ability of B-cell cancers like CLL to grow. These drugs have transformed CLL treatment by moving patients away from one-size-fits all chemotherapy and onto targeted and less toxic precision medicine in the form of a pill.
The problem is that cancer cells can become resistant to BTK inhibitor treatment over time. The drug tested in the research published in Science, called NX-2127, degrades BTK instead of inhibiting it, effectively “taking aim at the target and destroying it,” according to the investigators. Research like this is helping to turn deadly cancers like CLL into manageable chronic diseases.
“I would not be in a position to do this work had it not been for LLS support,” said study co-author Omar Abdel-Wahab, M.D., of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. LLS continues to fund exciting new research with Dr. Abdel-Wahab and Sloan Kettering.
New technology offers less invasive alternative to biopsies
The research published in Nature is about an altogether different, but equally important line of research: using a simple blood test to check the progress of patients being treated for Hodgkin lymphoma. In a breakthrough, researchers have found a way to amplify even low levels of a marker that circulated in the blood to provide important insights about patients with previously undetectable levels of disease.
Tests like this that can be used earlier in treatment and in patients who may appear to be in remission even when not, can help improve treatment outcomes by helping oncologists decide when to start, stop or alter treatments for the best outcomes. And they can do it without requiring a surgical biopsy.
“Our work found two major genetic variants of Hodgkin lymphoma, each behaving differently and leading to different patient outcomes,” said study co-author Arash (Ash) Alizadeh, M.D., Ph.D., at Stanford University in California. “We are excited to see how this blood test can improve patient outcomes by better personalizing their care to decrease treatment-related toxicity while achieving cures.”
LLS supported this research via a grant to Arash (Ash) Alizadeh, M.D., Ph.D., at Stanford University and continues to support his work into better and less invasive ways to diagnose blood cancer and predict which patients will progress so to help oncologist provide individualized care to each patient.
Research projects like these would not be possible without the support of donors, including The Borstein Family Foundation.
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is the global leader in the fight against blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.
Founded in 1949 and headquartered in Rye Brook, NY, LLS has regions throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org. Patients should contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.
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Media Contact:
Ryan McDonald