Children’s Cancer Institute Australia hitting leukaemia at its source

Researchers from Children’s Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research have developed a new approach to the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), one of the most aggressive forms of the disease.

The approach uses an antibody to preferentially target AML ‘cancer initiating cells’, and may also prove effective in treating other leukaemias with fewer side effects, according to CCIA’s Associate Professor Richard Lock.

“There are several kinds of leukaemia, depending on which blood cell becomes cancerous, but acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is one of the most aggressive, especially in adults, with poor survival rates despite the many types of treatments we have,” Associate Professor Lock said.

“These ‘cancer initiating cells’ – which are relatively resistant to chemotherapy – are a major reason why we struggle to cure most AML. Improving the outlook for patients with AML requires elimination of these cells.”

A paper outlining the breakthrough appears in the 2 July issue of the prestigious journal Cell Stem Cell .

“This is a form of leukaemia where the outcomes of treatment haven’t improved much in 20 to 30 years. This research delivers a new line of targeted therapy for the treatment of AML,” Associate Professor Lock said.

“We need a leap forward and we’re hoping this is it.”

The antibody used in the research is currently in a Phase I clinical trial. It was first created by Professor Angel Lopez now at the Centre for Cancer Biology in Adelaide, and the research was undertaken in collaboration with both Professor Lopez and Professor John Dick at the University Health Network, University of Toronto.

Children’s Cancer Institute Australia (CCIA) is the only independent medical research institute in Australia devoted to research into the causes, better treatment, prevention and cure of childhood cancer.

The vision of the Institute is to save the lives of all children with cancer and to eliminate their suffering, and its mission involves achieving this through world-class research.

Founded in 1976 by a dedicated group of parents and doctors who wanted to do something more in the fight against childhood cancer, CCIA opened its first laboratory in 1984. The Institute now employs over 150 staff and students, including more than 100 scientists.

Research at CCIA comprises a multifaceted approach to improving the outcome of childhood cancer sufferers. Overall, the research program includes basic, preclinical and clinical studies aimed at defining and achieving improved treatment for children with cancer.

CCIA is affiliated with the University of NSW and Sydney Children’s Hospital.