Researchers are developing a new test for early detection of patient resistance to treatment of leukemia -
Australian researchers have made a world first breakthrough in the early detection patient resistance to a county. treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia
discovery provides some hope that treating patients earlier could be changed to improve their chances of survival
researchers -. based in the Cancer in the South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) and the University of Adelaide School of Medicine - have developed a new test that they believe could be adopted by physicians worldwide
the results of this research are now published online before. print in the international journal leukemia .
lead author and postdoctoral researcher Dr. Laura Eadie says one in five patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) are resistant to the first treatment of their condition.
"the development of targeted drug Gleevec for chronic myelogenous leukemia has been one of the most remarkable achievements in cancer treatment over the past two decades. This is because the drug targets the mutant protein causing them leukemia, "said Dr. Eadie.
" However, about 20% of patients have a poor response to Glivec, and so far we have not fully understood why. Unfortunately, this means that one in five patients could benefit from treatment which is ultimately not benefit, losing treatment response and reduce their chances of survival. "
The study examined the role of P-glycoprotein, a protein that pump many drugs - including Glivec. - On leukemia cells
" Some patients have been found to higher levels of P-glycoprotein in their leukemic cells after only a few weeks after starting treatment. These patients were more likely to develop resistance to Gleevec later, "said Dr. Eadie.
"We found most of the increase P-glycoprotein in patients, the higher the risk of becoming resistant and does not respond to their medication more, or even succumb to their disease."
work shows the research team for the first time, the assessment of levels of P-glycoprotein soon after they start receiving Glivec therapy a patient will help predict response long term of this patient to the drug.
"This new test, developed in our laboratory, can provide opportunities for physicians worldwide to change treatment strategies for patients most at risk of hurting on Glivec before they not lose response to therapy, "says Dr. Eadie.
Dr. Eadie is also the recipient of a Fulbright scholarship in 2016 Postgraduate South Australia. next month, she will travel to the United States to continue research on leukemia, based at the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Tennessee.
This work will continue its attention on the effectiveness of treatments against leukemia and mechanisms of resistance in patients.
"I hope that through a better understanding of the key factors of response and resistance in patients, these research findings will help inform clinical practice and ensure the best possible chance of survival of patients" she says.
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