NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
October 30, 2009
Blood
Epub ahead of print
TARGET researchers used gene expression profiling to improve their ability to predict the outcome of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Their research generated a 38-gene expression classifier predictive of relapse-free survival (RFS). Together with flow cytometry data, they were able to classify specific groups of high-risk patients into low, intermediate or high risk subgroups. This data demonstrates that gene expression profiles can improve ALL classification and help to prospectively identify children that respond or fail current treatment regimens. These trials were registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov under NCT00005603. [Read Abstract]
June 9, 2009
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Vol. 106, No. 23
TARGET researchers built on their discoveries in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). They identified mutations in a class of protein kinase genes called the janus kinases (JAK) in high-risk ALL patients. Mutations in the JAK gene frequently occurred alongside alterations of IKAROS, (see below, NEJM). Importantly, almost 80% of patients with mutations in a JAK gene and deletion or mutations in IKAROS relapsed within four years compared to only 23% of patients with neither mutation. [Read Abstract]
January 7, 2009
The New England Journal of Medicine
Vol. 360, No. 5
NCI’s TARGET Initiative reported the discovery of a novel genetic marker for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in the January 7, 2009 advance online edition of The New England Journal of Medicine. The genetic alteration identified, IKZF1, should improve clinicians’ ability to identify high-risk patients and better assign these patients to appropriate therapy. [Read More]
