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Strategic combinations to overcome therapeutic resistance and relapse in acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most fatal type of leukemia and has a high rate of relapse following current therapies. We have recently uncovered that RSPO3-LGR4 pathway is a key regulator of leukemia-initiating cell activity and is exclusively activated in relapsed and refractory AML. Our project aims to investigate the mechanistic link between the pathway activation and therapy resistance, and design combination therapies that would overcome resistance and improve the treatment of relapsed leukemia.

Developing novel therapeutic approaches for classical and variant hairy cell leukemia

In this proposal, we have combined clinical and research expertise in HCL across Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medical College, the University of Pennsylvania, and Yale University to develop newer targeted therapeutics for every stage and subtype of hairy cell leukemia.

Investigating and targeting the histone acetylation reader protein ENL in acute leukemias

Leukemia often results from aberrant gene expression caused by epigenetic alterations. Previously we discovered a novel histone acetylation reader domain in the ENL protein and demonstrated that this domain is essential for the survival of a wide range of acute leukemias, making it an attractive therapeutic target. We will develop specific inhibitors of ENL activity in acute leukemias and will use mouse models to define the role of ENL mutations identified in patients in leukemogenesis.

Racing Together to Find Blood Cancer Cures

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Orange County Inland Empire Chapter is excited to announce a new partnership with Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California. Auto Club Speedway, California’s premier motorsports facility, is geared up to support LLS by hosting a series of fundraising events throughout the coming year.

Auto Club Speedway continues to be involved in making a difference in the local community, and the driving force behind their partnership with LLS is the close connection blood cancer has had on the Speedway family.

Targeting the interplay between signaling and transcriptional dysfunction in myeloid leukemias

Our research program is focused on understanding the intersection between signaling and transcriptional dysfunction in myeloid leukemias. We leverage murine models, cell lines and human samples to uncover how biological context shapes the manifestation of oncogenic programs at the molecular level. Our long-term goal is to harness this knowledge to identify multipronged therapeutic strategies that improve outcomes for patients with myeloid malignancies.
Advocates walk in front of the California capitol in Sacramento

Patients' Medical Histories Shouldn't Determine Whether They're Insurable

All patients deserve access to quality, affordable health plans. Fortunately, most insurance cannot use patients' pre-existing conditions against them. But these protections don't exist for Medicare Supplement Insurance, known as Medigap. In fact, Medigap is one of the only types of health coverage that can charge patients more, or deny them coverage, due to their age or health status. 

LLS is advocating for policies that would allow patients to enroll in Medigap—without paying higher rates—regardless of their health or age.

Novel targeted therapies for acute myeloid leukaemia and multiple myeloma

Outcomes for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and multiple myeloma (MM) patients remain inadequate and new treatment options to combat resistance against existing agents are urgently needed. My research aims to identify and target selective vulnerabilities of AML and MM cells. I am particularly interested in epigenetic and metabolic pathways that control self-renewal and differentiation of hematopoietic cells and that can be leveraged to modulate cell fate for therapeutic benefit.

In Loving Memory of a Cancer-Fighting Legacy: UFCW Fights Cancer in Honor of Late Staff Member

The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) is one of North America’s largest labor organizations with more than 1.3 million members.

Powerful Partnerships are Helping to Save Lives

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has helped millions impacted by cancer throughout their almost 70-year history. But the fight against blood cancers cannot be won without support.

Detection and treatment of Adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma in the premalignant stage.

Clonally expanded T cells carrying somatic mutations circulate in the premalignant phase of Adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL). We will develop capture-sequencing of recurrent ATL-driver mutations for use as a diagnostic tool for the detection/characterization of ATL-like clones in individuals with high risk of ATL, and, in an aligned clinical study, we will test whether a novel monoclonal antibody (targeting C-C chemokine receptor 4) can eradicate these high-risk cells.

Stopping Treatment for CML – Another First for a Blood Cancer

Certain patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who take nilotinib daily may have achieved such deep remissions that they may be able to stop their treatment, according to a recent FDA decision

SHP2 and BCL2 Inhibition in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

The goal of our work is to use a “bench to bedside and back” approach to develop new treatments for patients with relapsed/refractory AML. Through genetic analysis of patients who relapse or do not respond to standard and investigational treatments, we discover potential resistance mechanisms. In the lab, we test novel drugs and identify new drug targets that may address these resistance mechanisms when used in combination with other therapies. The overall goal of our research program is to improve treatment options and survival of patients with refractory AML.