Kiel researchers start new project to combat leukemia resistance

Kiel researchers start new project to combat leukemia resistance

In a significant development for research on acute myeloic leukemia (AML), scientists from the Christian-Albrechts University in Kiel (CAU) and the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) have surprisingly received financial support from the German Cancer Aid. The funding amounts to around 360,000 euros and is intended for an exciting research project to investigate the resistance mechanisms at AML with IDH1 mutations. This sum should flow into research over a period of three years.

The AML is a complex disease that affects the blood formation process, which can lead to excess formation of unreforted blood cells. These cells spread out in the bone marrow and suppress the healthy blood cells, which can result in potentially life -threatening complications. Despite intensive research, the exact causes and mechanisms that lead to therapy resistance are not fully known.

The research project in detail

The new project is made by Dr. Sophie Steinhäuser, Professor Friedrich Stölzel and professor Claudia Baldus. Steinhäuser said that earlier investigations had shown that the structure of the DNA in the cell nucleus was disturbed in IDH1-mutated AML patients. This problem could play an important role in activating genes that favor the disease. The aim of the project is to examine the effects of this changed DNA organization on the development of resistance compared to the new drug Ivosidenib.

ivosidenib has shown promising results in the treatment of AML with IDH1 mutations, but many patients experience relapses after a while because they develop resistance. In order to meet these challenges, the researchers not only want to decipher the mechanisms behind these resistance, but also explore how Ivosidenib influences the immune system.

"Our research could offer new approaches to improve therapy options," said Baldus, which also leads the group for functional genomics acute leukemia. If it is possible to further personalize the treatment of IDH1 mutated AML, new therapy combinations that increase the effectiveness of Ivosidenib and counteract relapses could be developed

In addition, the project is part of the Kiel Oncology Network (KON), which represents the collaboration of all oncological facilities in Kiel and Lübeck. This initiative works hand in hand with the German Research Foundation (DFG), which has invested over five million euros in the clinical research group "Catch All" to develop innovative therapies for all ages.

Overall, these developments show how important financial support and interdisciplinary cooperation are for progress in cancer research. Findings from this project could have far -reaching effects on the treatment of blood cancer and ultimately improve the quality of life of the patients.

For more information and details on this topic, please visit www.uni-kiel.de .