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Advances in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Curing AML in Elderly Patients

Robert Hromas, M.D., a blood cancer expert at the University of Florida's College of Medicine, is looking to discover new drugs that will improve the response of elderly AML patients to chemotherapy. His latest research, funded through a Translational Research Program grant from The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, focuses on inhibiting the DNA repair response.

Overcoming RAS-driven Mechanisms of Resistance in Leukemia

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is activated in high-risk leukemia and is a hallmark of resistance to therapies. This project uses patient-derived xenograft models of relapsed pediatric ALL and AML with activated RAS/MAPK to test whether clinically relevant MAPK mutations activate the VAV3/RAC pathway and if pharmacological inhibition of that pathway by a small molecule we developed synergizes with a MAPK-inhibitor to provide a new treatment strategy for RAS-driven leukemia.

Targeting mitophagy of leukemia stem cells for therapy

Enhancing the commitment of leukemia stem cells (LSCs) is a promising therapeutic strategy against blood cancer, but tracking the division pattern of individual cells has proved difficult. We have established a novel technical regimen to assess the behavior of individual LSCs and their cell fate in vivo. Genetic mouse models and mouse models engrafted with leukemia patient samples are also used. Our project seeks to elucidate the role of mitophagy in the control of LSC division balance, which may facilitate new therapy targeting these cells.

A Day in LLS History

On October 20, 1944, Robert “Robbie” Roesler de Villiers was only 16 years old when he died from leukemia. Robbie’s parents, Rudolph and Antoinette, were stricken with grief and frustrated by the lack of effective treatments for what was then considered a hopeless disease.

After five years of mourning their son, they started a fundraising and education organization in his name. The Robert Roesler de Villiers Foundation had only a few volunteers and a tiny budget.

Genomics of childhood leukemia: Analysis of diverse, worldwide populations

Common genetic variation explains a large share of childhood leukemia in children of European ancestry and may explain the differing incidence in children of other ancestries. The Childhood Cancer and Leukemia International Consortium seeks to better understand the genomic architecture of childhood leukemia risk using its collective genomic datasets comprising >20,000 diverse children with leukemia. The results will inform risk prediction for and possibly prevention of childhood leukemia.

Combination Targeted Therapy in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Targeted therapies have replaced chemoimmunotherapy in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We previously reported that combined BTK inhibitor (ibrutinib) and BCL2 antagonist (venetoclax) is highly synergistic. In this proposal, we will conduct a phase II trial of combined non-covalent BTK inhibitor (pirtobrutinib) with venetoclax and obinutuzumab in patients with untreated CLL with primary endpoint of marrow MRD. We will perform BH3 profiling and scRNAseq and correlate with clinical outcomes.

Honoring a Devoted UFCW “Cancer Kicker”

Frank Meehan spent two decades spearheading the United Food & Commercial Workers’ (UFCW) effort to raise money to defeat blood cancers. As president of the Long Island, NY Local, he was one of the first leaders to act upon the union’s national relationship with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

Then last spring, in a twist of fate, he ended up losing his life to one of the aggressive leukemias he’d been hoping to see cured.

Role of ERK isoforms in normal hematopoiesis and leukemia

Current therapies for cancers driven by “RAS/ERK’ pathway mutations, such as juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), are either high risk (bone marrow transplant) or ineffective (targeted inhibitors). We have identified a unique dependency of JMML cell growth for a group of ERK targets, which are not required for normal blood cell growth. We are investigating this further and aim to identify the ERK targets responsible, which may provide new drug targets to treat JMML and other cancers.

Sailing In One Direction to End Childhood Cancer

In the treatment of children with acute myeloid leukemia “We have plateaued. The tools in our toolbox are all sledgehammers.”

This grim assessment was how Dr. E. Anders Kolb, of Nemours/Alfred I DuPont Hospital for Children, characterized the state of treatment for children with this devastating form of leukemia.

Dr. Kolb was among a group of pediatric oncologists to join The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) in hosting an event in Atlanta this week to discuss LLS’s new $50 million Children’s Initiative, a multi-faceted effort to:

Fighting Cancer Together: LLS and West Marine Kick off Annual Paper Sailboat Campaign

 

For the third consecutive year, during Blood Cancer Awareness Month, nearly 250 West Marine stores across the country are teaming up with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Leukemia Cup Regatta, to raise awareness for the urgent need to fund research to advance cancer cures. From September 1-30, West Marine customers can donate to LLS by purchasing a paper sailboat they can add their name to and display in the store where the donation was made. 100% of the proceeds will go LLS to help support the fight against cancer.

Advancing New Therapeutic Strategies for Pediatric Acute Leukemias

Dr. Kimberly Stegmaier is performing pre-clinical research to identify promising therapeutic strategies for pediatric leukemia. Pediatric blood cancers comprise about 40% of all pediatric cancers. The most common pediatric blood cancer is acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), which is curable in most patients through the use of chemotherapy. Though beneficial in the short term, destroying the cancer through chemotherapy often leads to long term health problems. For those that do not respond to chemotherapy, there are fewer therapeutic options.

Epigenetics: A New Tool for Precision Medicine

Christopher Vakoc, M.D., Ph.D., leads a team of researchers being funded through LLS’s Career Development Program. At Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in Long Island, N.Y., Vakoc works in an area of science called epigenetics – the study of chemical changes that switch genes on and off to control cell behavior. 

What is epigenetics?

Epigenetics is arguably one of the fastest-moving fields of cancer research.

Surviving AML: The Long Road Back

“Hola,” I said playfully, as I answered my cell phone on a beautiful Saturday -- April 21, 2012. “This is Dr. so and so. I’m calling because your blood work from yesterday is all out of whack.” “What do you mean, ‘Out of whack?’” “Your white blood cell count is high,” he said. “What’s high? “It's at 63,000.” “And what's it supposed to be?” “10,000.”

Initiation of a novel immunotherapeutic to safely eradicate acute leukemia

We propose to develop a novel personalized immunotherapy to treat patients with refractory acute myeloid leukemia. We have shown that tumor-specific T cells (TAA-T) can diminish leukemia disease burden after allogeneic stem cell transplant. We now propose to augment the efficacy of the TAA-T products in the autologous setting using IL-15 backpacks to enhance TAA-T function and enhance efficacy without increased toxicity in vivo.

Targeted combination therapies for leukemia with NUP98 translocations

Leukemia patients with chromosomal translocations of the Nucleoporin (NUP98) gene suffer from very poor prognosis. In this project we will identify new treatment for these patients by combining menin inhibitor with FDA approved drugs. We will evaluate effectiveness, mechanism of action and biomarkers of treatment response to these combinations in advanced pre-clinical models of NUP98 leukemia. We expect these studies will lead to future clinical trials in AML patients with NUP98 translocations.

Moving Cancer to the Back Burner

I am glad to be here. Literally.

Being a survivor is a good thing. I could have been six feet under, after being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) on December 16, 2000. I was 40 years old, raising two children with my husband Ron. Our daughter was almost 4 years old and our son was 16 months.

Meet the Researcher: Omar Abdel-Wahab, MD

This is part of a periodic series of Q&A’s with LLS-funded researchers. Dr. Abdel-Wahab of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center focuses on an area of research called epigenetics – chemical modifications that regulate (switch on and off) gene activity. He is studying how these processes drive the development of acute myeloid leukemia and other blood cancers. He currently holds a Career Development Program grant from LLS, a program that supports scientists earlier in their careers.

Q. What is the focus of your research and its primary goal?

On World Cancer Day: LLS Honors International Researchers

World Cancer Day is February 4, when people across the globe come together to work toward reducing the global burden of cancer. An integral part of this work is scientific research that leads to innovative treatments, ultimately saving lives.

Despite promising advances in treatment, cancers are among the leading cause of disease and deaths worldwide. Cancers know no boundaries, and have devastating impacts on families across the globe.

Eevie: Continuing to Defy the Odds

Diagnosed at birth with a rare leukemia, Eevie had a 17 percent chance of making it to age 2. Now 18 months old, she continues to defy the odds as she marks the same milestones as others her age. Her parents, Brynne and Ryan, report that she is all smiles and is a very happy (and thankfully ornery) little girl. Eevie was assessed and dismissed from physical therapy as she is "right on track." She is walking around the house, trying to put on Mommie's shoes, and is saying multiple words. Eevie loves to make animal noises (mainly the tiger, her inspirational mascot) and growls often!

Against All Odds, Eevie Turns 1!

A first birthday is always a big occasion, but for Eevie, it's taken on a whole new meaning. She was born with a rare leukemia that gives her a 17 percent chance of surviving to age 2. Even her parents weren't sure she would make it this far. "We didn't think she would still be here. The odds were never in her favor," said her mom, Brynne. Eevie was born with congenital acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), an extremely rare condition affecting 1 in 5 million newborns.

Just Diagnosed? LLS Can Help

Finding out you have blood cancer can bring on a whirlwind of emotions and a plethora of questions. No one expects to get such a diagnosis and there isn’t anything you can do to prepare.  

Regardless of how you came to your diagnosis, most people report not having absorbed a lot of information after hearing the word “cancer." The vocabulary may seem like a foreign language, and the need for support  can be tremendous.

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia 3D Model

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This model contains the following chapters. Click the "Interact in 3D" button to begin.

• Healthy Bone Marrow
• Normal Blood Cell Production
• Proliferation of Cells and the Crowding Out of Normal Cells
• Signs and Symptoms