http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/leukemia/ Read the latest medical research and information on leukemia. Learn about the symptoms and diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and other leukemia types. What new leukemia treatments are under development? en-us Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/leukemia/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524123201.htm Scientists have developed a compound that enhance cell death in cancer cells. Thu, 24 May 2012 12:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524123201.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524123017.htm An anti-psychotic drug used to treat schizophrenia appears to get rid of cancer stem cells by helping them differentiate into less threatening cell types. The discovery comes after researchers screened hundreds of compounds in search of those that would selectively inhibit human cancer stem cells, and it may lead rather swiftly to a clinical trial. Thu, 24 May 2012 12:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524123017.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521103819.htm Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism regulating the development of breast cancer bone metastases and showed that heparin-like compounds can potentially be used to inhibit breast cancer metastasis to bone. Mon, 21 May 2012 10:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521103819.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516092712.htm Cell surface protein GD2 blows potent tumor-generating cells’ cover. The first single marker of breast cancer stem cells also is targetable by a drug in preclinical tests. Wed, 16 May 2012 09:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516092712.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515070439.htm Researchers found that administering a common chemotherapy drug before bone tumors took root actually fertilized the bone marrow, enabling cancer cells, once introduced, to seed and grow more easily. Tue, 15 May 2012 07:04:04 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515070439.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514134307.htm A study has identified microRNA-3151 as a new independent prognostic marker in patients with acute myeloid leukemia that has normal-looking chromosomes. High levels of this microRNA in cancer cells indicates patients will experience shorter remissions and survival periods. Additionally, the microRNA is encoded within a gene called BAALC, which itself is an independent marker of poor survival when overexpressed in these patients. Mon, 14 May 2012 13:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514134307.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511133735.htm Multiple myeloma is a form of cancer where the plasma cells in the bone marrow grow out of control, causing damage to bones as well as predisposing patients to anemia, infection and kidney failure. Unfortunately, multiple myeloma continues to progress even after a transplant. A new study now offers promising news about a new long-term therapy, lenalidomide, that can be used after transplantation to slow down the progression of the disease. Fri, 11 May 2012 13:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511133735.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509175807.htm Medical researchers report significant time-to-progression benefit as well as survival benefit for patients who took maintenance doses of lenalidomide following stem-cell transplant. Wed, 09 May 2012 17:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509175807.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509154234.htm For the first time, scientists have transplanted brain cancer patients' own gene-modified blood stem cells in order to protect their bone marrow against the toxic side effects of chemotherapy. Initial results of the ongoing, small clinical trial of three patients with glioblastoma showed that two patients survived longer than predicted if they had not been given the transplants, and a third patient remains alive with no disease progression almost three years after treatment. Wed, 09 May 2012 15:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509154234.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424095653.htm Although people generally talk about “cancer”, it is clear that the disease occurs in a bewildering variety of forms.  Even single groups of cancers, such as those of the white blood cells, may show widely differing properties.  How do the various cancers arise and what factors determine their progression?  Clues to these two issues, at least for leukemias, have now been provided. Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424095653.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120416125321.htm Researchers have demonstrated that two related enzymes -- phosphoinositide-3 kinase gamma and delta -- play a key role in the development of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a highly aggressive childhood leukemia that is difficult to treat. The study also showed that a dual PI3K gamma/delta inhibitor can significantly prolong survival in a mouse model of the disease. Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120416125321.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120415150128.htm Through a groundbreaking new gene sequencing technology, researchers have demonstrated that the gene FLT3 is a valid therapeutic target in Acute Myeloid Leukemia, AML, one of the most common types of leukemia. The discovery may help lead to the development of new drugs to treat AML. Sun, 15 Apr 2012 15:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120415150128.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120415150116.htm The key to treating one of the most common types of human leukemia may lie within mutations in a gene called FLT3, according to new research. The work validates certain activating mutations in the FLT3 gene as targets for acute myeloid leukemia therapy -- a critically important finding for developing drugs. Sun, 15 Apr 2012 15:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120415150116.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411084040.htm Up until now the causes of the development of chronic lymphatic leukemia, the most common form of cancer of the blood in Europe, have been unknown. At present a cure is not possible. Medical researchers have now however discovered a lead on the origin of this disease. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411084040.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120409103946.htm A novel anti-leukemia compound with little toxicity successfully treated zebrafish with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), suggesting its potential to become a new highly targeted therapy for humans -- even those resistant to conventional therapies -- according to new results. Mon, 09 Apr 2012 10:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120409103946.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120405131417.htm Researchers have found a way to stop leukemia stem cells in their tracks. The advance in mice suggests that a combination approach to therapy might stamp out chronic myeloid leukemia for good. Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120405131417.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402094156.htm Scientists have uncovered more details about how defects in components of the machinery that makes new proteins can lead to blood and other cancers. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402094156.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120312003050.htm An antidepressant combined with a drug derived from vitamin A could be used to treat a common adult form of leukemia, suggests laboratory research. Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120312003050.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120305223721.htm Scientists have identified a novel protein expressed by breast cancer cells – but not normal adult tissues – that could provide a new target for future anti-cancer drugs and treatments. Mon, 05 Mar 2012 22:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120305223721.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120301084258.htm People with a blood cancer -- myelofibrosis -- can benefit from a drug called ruxolitinib, according to a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:42:42 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120301084258.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131093100.htm A study of the cells that respond to crises in the blood system has yielded a few surprises, redrawing the 'map' of how blood cells are made in the body. The finding could have wide-ranging implications for understanding blood diseases such as myeloproliferative disorders as well as used to develop new ways of controlling how blood and clotting cells are produced. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131093100.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130094349.htm Researchers have discovered a molecular pathway that may explain how a particularly deadly form of cancer develops. The discovery may lead to new cancer therapies that reprogram cells instead of killing them. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130094349.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126161129.htm Researchers have discovered new links between leukemia cells and cells involved in bone formation, offering a fresh perspective on how the blood cancer progresses and raising the possibility that therapies for bone disorders could help in the treatment of leukemia. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:11:11 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126161129.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123123140.htm Targeting a single protein can help fight both breast cancers and leukemias, according to two new reports. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123123140.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118165139.htm Turning off the gene that codes for WEE1 sensitizes acute myeloid leukemia cells to chemotherapy, a new study shows. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118165139.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117145501.htm Researchers have discovered that acute myeloid leukemia, an aggressive blood cancer with poor prognosis, may be susceptible to medications that target a protein called Mcl-1. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:55:55 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117145501.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117144224.htm A natural enzyme derived from human blood plasma showed potential in significantly reducing the effects of graft-vs.-host disease, a common and deadly side effect of lifesaving bone marrow transplants. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:42:42 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117144224.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113205629.htm Researchers have discovered that a subtype of leukemia characterized by a poor prognosis is fueled by mutations in pathways distinctly different from a seemingly similar leukemia associated with a much better outcome. The findings highlight a possible new strategy for treating patients with this more aggressive cancer. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:56:56 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113205629.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112111944.htm A new study shows how the cancer causing gene Notch, in combination with a mutated Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) protein complex, work together to cause T- cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112111944.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111133522.htm The chemotherapy drugs required to push a common form of adult leukemia into remission may contribute to DNA damage that can lead to a relapse of the disease in some patients, findings of a new study suggest. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:35:35 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111133522.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111222152012.htm Researchers recently presented results from 31 major studies of blood-related cancers -- leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111222152012.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111222103112.htm A compound produced from fish oil that appears to target leukemia stem cells could lead to a cure for the disease, according to researchers. Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111222103112.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111216175244.htm Will a drug used to treat childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and other pediatric cancers cause heart problems later in life? A professor of pharmaceutical sciences, who sees his work as a bridge between research and clinical practice, has focused recent efforts on trying to answer this question. Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:52:52 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111216175244.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215113519.htm Scientists have uncovered a critical genetic mutation in some patients with myelodysplastic syndromes -- a group of blood cancers that can progress to a fatal form of leukemia. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:35:35 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215113519.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213122627.htm An HIV drug that redirects immune cell traffic appears to significantly reduce the dangerous complication graft-versus-host disease in blood cancer patients following allogeneic stem cell transplantation, according to new research. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213122627.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212153155.htm Patients who receive a blood stem cell transplant from a donor outside of their family to treat leukemia and other blood diseases are more likely to have graft failure but less likely to experience graft-versus-host disease, a condition caused by the donor cells attacking the recipient's body, if the transplanted blood cells come directly from a donor's bone marrow, rather than from blood stem cells circulating in the donor's bloodstream (PBSCs), according to new research. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212153155.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212144230.htm The most comprehensive search to date of DNA abnormalities in chronic lymphocytic leukemia has unearthed several new altered genes that drive this common blood cancer, a finding that could potentially help doctors predict whether an individual patient's disease will progress rapidly or remain indolent for years, say scientists. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:42:42 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212144230.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212144228.htm Older people with acute myeloid leukemia and normal looking chromosomes in their cancer cells have a higher risk of recurrence if they have mutations in the ASXL1gene, according to a new study. The study is the first to investigate the influence of these gene mutations on prognosis in these patients and in conjunction with other prognostic gene mutations. The findings could lead to more effective targeted therapies and improved cure rates for these patients. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:42:42 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212144228.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212132630.htm A woman received a transplant from her sister to treat leukemia. Both sisters later developed lymphoma, suggesting transfer of a common ancestor. Finding gives scientists new insight into lymphoma development. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212132630.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111211134012.htm A new, targeted approach to treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia has produced durable remissions in a Phase I/II clinical trial for patients with relapsed or resistant disease, researchers report. Sun, 11 Dec 2011 13:40:40 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111211134012.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111209105752.htm Scientists have discovered a molecular marker for the immediate precursors of hematopoietic stem cells in the developing embryo, which provides much-needed insights for making these cells from engineered precursors. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111209105752.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128152414.htm Human stem cells aren't immune to the aging process, according to scientists. Researchers studied hematopoietic stem cells, which create the cells that comprise the blood and immune system. Understanding when and how these stem cells begin to falter as the years pass may explain why some diseases, such as acute myeloid leukemia, increase in prevalence with age, and also why elderly people tend to be more vulnerable to infections such as colds and the flu. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128152414.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101171029.htm Older patients with advanced hematologic malignancies, such as leukemia and lymphoma, who received a conditioning regimen that included minimal-intensity radiation therapy prior to allogeneic (genetically different) hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT; receipt of bone marrow or stem cells transplant) had survival and progression-free survival outcomes suggesting that this treatment approach may be a viable option for older patients with these malignancies, according to a new study. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101171029.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101171023.htm Age alone no longer should be considered a defining factor when determining whether an older patient with blood cancer is a candidate for stem cell transplantation. That's the conclusion of the first study summarizing long-term outcomes from a series of prospective clinical trials of patients age 60 and over who were treated with the mini-transplant, a "kinder, gentler" form of allogeneic (donor cell) stem cell transplantation. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101171023.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101125824.htm For prostate cancer patients with bone metastases, repeated administrations of radionuclide therapy with 188Re-HEDP are shown to improve overall survival rates and reduce pain, according to new research. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 12:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101125824.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026113830.htm In geriatric medicine, the adage that age is just a number holds true. New research uses a simple assessment tool to determine how well older adults diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) can handle treatment. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026113830.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026113826.htm One of the causes of resistance to cancer treatment in children is now beginning to be elucidated. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients with a particular form of the ATF5 gene are at higher risk of having a relapse when treated with E. coli asparaginase, a key chemotherapy drug for this type of leukemia. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026113826.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026091233.htm A new potential leukemia therapy targets only cancer cells, while leaving healthy cells alone. Many current chemotherapy treatments affect cancer cells and healthy cells, causing significant side effects, such as fatigue, hair loss, nausea, anxiety and depression. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026091233.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021125517.htm A team of researchers has found a biomarker they believe can help rapidly identify one of the most serious complications in cancer patients after a bone marrow transplant. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021125517.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111010075526.htm A new study has found that an osteoporosis drug protects against the bone damaging side effects of certain breast cancer medications. The study indicates that some breast cancer patients could take zoledronic acid in addition to their anti-cancer medications to maintain bone health. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 07:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111010075526.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111007103312.htm Bone marrow-derived cells participate in the growth and spread of tumors of the breast, brain, lung, and stomach. To examine the role of BMDCs, researchers developed a mouse model that could be used to track the migration of these cells while tumors formed and expanded. Their results strongly suggest that more effective cancer treatments may be developed by exploiting the mechanism by which bone marrow cells migrate to tumors and retard their proliferation. Fri, 07 Oct 2011 10:33:33 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111007103312.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003080521.htm The invasion of a new species into an established ecosystem can be directly compared to the steps involved in cancer metastasis. New research uses the Tilman model of competition between invasive species to study the metastasis of prostate cells into bone. Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:05:05 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003080521.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928190112.htm Pre-clinical research has generated some very promising findings about a prototype drug for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Wed, 28 Sep 2011 19:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928190112.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110926183423.htm Researchers have identified a gene frequently mutated in myelodysplasia, one of the most common forms of blood cancer. Patients with a mutation in SF3B1 had a better overall chance of survival compared to those without the mutation, suggesting that the SF3B1 mutations drive a more benign form of myelodysplasia. It is hoped that, in the future, patients could be screened for SF3B1 mutations through a single blood test. Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110926183423.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110926183419.htm Geneticists have discovered that a gene involved in the modification of ribonucleic acid is mutated in a significant proportion of people with a collection of blood cancers called myelodysplastic syndromes. The researchers found that mutations in the SF3B1 gene tended to be associated with a better prognosis, raising the possibility that patients could be screened for the mutation and their treatment tailored accordingly. Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110926183419.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110926104613.htm A newly identified defect in a DNA repair system might leave some young leukemia patients less likely to benefit from a key chemotherapy drug, possibly putting them at greater risk of relapse. Mon, 26 Sep 2011 10:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110926104613.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110926104126.htm A drug used to protect bone may extend survival in older breast cancer patients, according to researchers. The AZURE trial has revealed that the bisphosphonate drug zoledronic acid boosts disease-free survival in postmenopausal breast cancer patients but may have an adverse effect on younger women. Mon, 26 Sep 2011 10:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110926104126.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110925185439.htm Scientists have identified a way that chemotherapy causes platelet numbers to drop, answering in the process a decade-old question about the formation of platelets, tiny cells that allow blood to clot. Sun, 25 Sep 2011 18:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110925185439.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110925125153.htm A trial investigating the use of zoledronic acid to aid chemotherapy for breast cancer has found a significant benefit for post-menopausal women. The overall survival rate in post-menopausal women was 85 percent compared to 79 percent for women who did not receive zoledronic acid. Researchers in the multi-center AZURE trial think it could be the key for a greater understanding of the mechanisms of breast cancer recurrence. Sun, 25 Sep 2011 12:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110925125153.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110923194732.htm The first Phase III study of an alpha-pharmaceutical (Radium-223 Chloride -- Alpharadin) in patients with bone metastases from advanced prostate cancer has shown that it can prolong survival significantly. Until now, options for these patients have been very limited. The ALSYMPCA trial had to be stopped early after interim analysis revealed that patients receiving the best standard treatment plus radium-223 were living longer than those who were receiving the same standard treatment plus placebo. Fri, 23 Sep 2011 19:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110923194732.htm