MedWorm: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Adolescents and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia have a better outcome when treated with pediatric‐inspired regimens ‐ systematic review and meta‐analysis

American Journal of Hematology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions:Pediatric‐inspired regimens are superior to conventional‐adult chemotherapy in AYA ALL patients. Further randomized controlled studies to investigate this approach in adult ALL patients are warranted. Am. J. Hematol., 2012. © 2012 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. (Source: American Journal of Hematology)

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Peripheral T-lymphocytes express WNT7A and its restoration in leukemia-derived lymphoblasts inhibits cell proliferation

BMC Cancer — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report evidencing quantitatively decreased WNT7A levels in leukemia-derived cells and that WNT7A restoration in T-lymphocytes inhibits cell proliferation. In addition, our results also support the possible function of WNT7A as a tumor suppressor gene as well as a therapeutic tool. (Source: BMC Cancer)

Genetic inactivation of the polycomb repressive complex 2 in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Nature Medicine — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study we report the presence of loss-of-function mutations and deletions of the EZH2 and SUZ12 genes, which encode crucial components of the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), in 25% of T-ALLs. To further study the role of PRC2 in T-ALL, we used NOTCH1-dependent mouse models of the disease, as well as human T-ALL samples, and combined locus-specific and global analysis of NOTCH1-driven epigenetic changes. These studies demonstrated that activation of NOTCH1 specifically induces loss of the repressive mark Lys27 trimethylation of histone 3 (H3K27me3) by antagonizing the activity of PRC2. These studies suggest a tumor suppressor role for PRC2 in human leukemia and suggest a hitherto unrecognized dynamic interplay between oncogenic NOTCH1 and PRC2 function for the regulation of gen...

Talon leukemia drug gets date with FDA advisory panel

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:10:41 +0100

Talon Therapeutics Inc. must hurdle a Food and Drug Administration advisory panel March 21 before its experimental leukemia drug can be approved. San Mateo-based Talon (OTCBB: TLON) said Friday that its drug Marqibo will be assessed by the FDA’s oncology drugs advisory committee for treating adult Philadelphia chromosome-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a rare blood cancer. “We believe Marqibo has the potential to help a near end-stage leukemia population of patients without good treatment options,” Talon President and CEO Dr... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Monitoring Minimal Residual Disease as a Therapeutic Principle

Seminars in Oncology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Measurement of submicroscopic (minimal) levels of residual disease (MRD) can be used to monitor treatment response much more precisely than morphological screening of bone marrow slides. Several studies have demonstrated that MRD assessment in childhood and adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) significantly correlates with clinical outcome. MRD detection is particularly useful for evaluation of early treatment response, but also to monitor disease before and after stem cell transplantation, for early assessment of an impending relapse and in the setting of salvage treatment. Currently, three highly specific and sensitive methodologies for MRD detection are available, namely, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) of fusion gene transcripts or breakpoints, RQ-PCR–ba...

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Central nervous system lymphoma occurring in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 (von Recklinghausen disease)

Neurological Sciences — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:44:48 +0100

We report a case of CNS primitive lymphoma in an adult patient who resulted positive for NF1 at genetic testing. At present, only one case of CNS lymphoma in an adult patient displaying clinical criteria for NF1 diagnosis has been reported. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportPages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s10072-011-0886-8Authors Marica Eoli, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Unit of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Milan, ItalyDonata Bianchessi, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Nazionale C. Mondino, Pavia, ItalyAnna Luisa Di Stefano, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Nazionale C. Mondino, Pavia, ItalyElena Prodi, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Nazionale C. Mondino, Pavia, ItalyElena Anghileri, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologic...

Inherited Risk Factors For Childhood Leukemia Are More Common In Hispanic Patients

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:00:00 +0100

Hispanic children are more likely than those from other racial and ethnic backgrounds to be diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and are more likely to die of their disease. Work led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists has pinpointed genetic factors behind the grim statistics. Researchers studying a gene called ARID5B linked eight common variants of the gene to an increased risk of not only developing pediatric ALL but of having the cancer return after treatment. Two more ARID5B variants were tied to higher odds of developing the disease... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Health‐related quality of life among children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsPatients with ALL experienced important but declining deficits in HRQL during active treatment phases: Equivalent to losing approximately 2 months of life in perfect health. HRQL within the 2‐years post‐treatment phase was similar to controls. The policy challenge is to develop new treatment protocols producing fewer disabilities in mobility/ambulation, emotion, self‐care, and pain without compromising survival. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)

Pediatric T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia with transient pure red cell aplasia

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)

Outcomes and prognostic factors of adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. An analysis on behalf of the Acute Leukemia Working Party of EBMT

Leukemia — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: A Spyridonidis, M Labopin, C Schmid, L Volin, I Yakoub-Agha, M Stadler, N Milpied, G Socie, P Browne, S Lenhoff, M A Sanz, M Aljurf, M Mohty & V Rocha (Source: Leukemia)

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Inherited risk factors for childhood leukemia are more common in Hispanic patients

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(St. Jude Children's Research Hospital) Hispanic children are more likely than those from other racial and ethnic backgrounds to be diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and are more likely to die of their disease. Work led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists has pinpointed genetic factors behind the grim statistics. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Lymphoma Study Group of JCOG

Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The Lymphoma Study Group (LSG) of the Japan Clinical Oncology Group (JCOG) was initiated in 1978 by five institutions and now has 47 members. JCOG-LSG has focused on combined modalities, dose intensification and the incorporation of new agents for major disease entities of lymphoid malignancies. More than 30 trials including 10 randomized trials have been conducted for aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), adult T-cell leukemia–lymphoma (ATL), lymphoblastic lymphoma/acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL), multiple myeloma, NK/T-NHL and indolent B-NHL, and correlative epidemiological and pathological studies have been performed on human T-lymphotropic virus type-I and T/B cell phenotypes. The first trials for aggressive NHL revealed significant differences in the pro...

Beyond the 2008 World Health Organization classification: the role of the hematopathology laboratory in the diagnosis and management of acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Seminars in Diagnostic Pathology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:38:40 +0100

The diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is made by evaluating morphology and immunophenotype. However, appropriate risk stratification and decisions regarding the intensity of therapy are influenced by additional clinical and laboratory testing that reflect the biology of the disease. Recent years have seen tremendous progress in uncovering genetic lesions that influence the biology of ALL. In recognition of these advances, the 2008 WHO classification incorporated the category of B-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma with recurrent genetic abnormalities into the classification of precursor lymphoid neoplasms. Based on the knowledge available at the time, genetic lesions associated with distinct clinical features, immunophenotype, prognosis, or other unique biological characteristic...

Predictive factors of internalized and externalized behavioral problems in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsAssessment of both internalized and externalized problems is required in this population. The impact of pharmacological variables on externalized behavioral problems is likely related to CS use. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)

Elevated S100A8/S100A9 expression causes glucocorticoid resistance in MLL-rearranged infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Leukemia — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Elevated S100A8/S100A9 expression causes glucocorticoid resistance in MLL-rearranged infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia Leukemia advance online publication, January 27, 2012. doi:10.1038/leu.2011.388 Authors: J A P Spijkers-Hagelstein, P Schneider, E Hulleman, J de Boer, O Williams, R Pieters & R W Stam (Source: Leukemia)

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Obesity in patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in childhood

Italian Journal of Pediatrics — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common malignancy in childhood. Continuous progress in risk-adapted treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia has secured 5-year event-free survival rates of approximately 80% and 8-year survival rates approaching 90%. Almost 75% of survivors, however, have a chronic health condition negatively impacting on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Obesity can be considered one of the most important health chronic conditions in the general population, with an increasing incidence in patients treated for childhood cancers and especially in acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivors who are, at the same time, more at risk of experiencing precocious cardiovascular and metabolic co-morbidities. The hypothalamic-pituitary axis damage secondary to ca...

CD117 Expression Is a Sensitive but Nonspecific Predictor of FLT3 Mutation in T Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and T/Myeloid Acute Leukemia.

American Journal of Clinical Pathology — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:56:42 +0100

We report the results of flow cytometry immunophenotypic analysis in 42 cases of T-ALL and T/myeloid acute leukemia also assessed for FLT3 mutation. CD117 was expressed in 21 (50%), and FLT3 was mutated in 8 cases (19%; 1 T-ALL and 7 T/myeloid). FLT3-mutated cases were terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)+/CD2+ (7/8), cytoplasmic CD3+/CD5+ (5/8), CD7+/CD13+/CD15+ (4/6), CD33+ (4/8), CD34+, and CD117+ (bright). Cytochemistry showed myeloperoxidase-positive cells in all T/myeloid acute leukemias (3%-50%). We conclude that FLT3 mutation is rare in T-ALL, and its presence supports T/myeloid lineage. CD117 expression alone is sensitive but not specific for FLT3 mutation. The immunophenotypic profile of TdT, CD7, CD13, CD34, and CD117 (bright) is helpful for predicting FLT3 mutation, with...

Are the psychological needs of adolescent survivors of pediatric cancer adequately identified and treated?

Psycho-Oncology — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:19:03 +0100

ConclusionsMany adolescent survivors of cancer experience psychological difficulties that are not adequately managed by current services, underscoring the need for long‐term surveillance. In addition to prescribing regular psychological evaluations, clinicians should closely monitor whether current support services appropriately meet survivors' needs, particularly for lower‐income survivors and those treated with cranial radiation therapy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Psycho-Oncology)

Parental Prenatal Smoking and Risk of Childhood ALLParental Prenatal Smoking and Risk of Childhood ALL

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:00:00 +0100

This interesting study suggests that paternal--not maternal--smoking around the time of conception conveys substantial risk for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. American Journal of Epidemiology (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Experience with high dose methotrexate therapy in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a tertiary care cancer centre of a developing country

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionWith this strategy, it was possible to omit or reduce the dose of cranial irradiation while maintaining survival outcomes. The administration of HDMTX therapy was found to be feasible and safe with the precautions described. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)

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Prediction of outcome by early bone marrow response in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated in the trial ALL-BFM 95. Differential effects in precursor B-cell and T-cell leukemia.

Haematologica — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. Selective addition of day 15 marrow response to conventional stratification criteria applied on ALL-BFM 95, currently in use as regular chemotherapy protocol for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in several countries, may significantly improve risk-adapted treatment delivery. Even though cutting-edge trial risk stratification is meanwhile dominated by minimal residual disease evaluation, an improved conventional risk assessment, as presented here, could be of great importance to countries lacking the technical and/or financial resources associated with the application of minimal residual disease analysis. PMID: 22271901 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Haematologica)

Hemiparesis and aphasia in a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Sumeet G Dua, Seema Kembhavi, Brijesh AroraAnnals of Indian Academy of Neurology 2011 14(4):319-320 (Source: Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology)

Allogeneic cord blood transplantation for adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia: retrospective survey involving 256 patients in Japan

Leukemia — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: T Matsumura, M Kami, T Yamaguchi, K Yuji, E Kusumi, S Taniguchi, S Takahashi, M Okada, H Sakamaki, H Azuma, M Takanashi, H Kodo, S Kai, T Inoue-Nagamura, K Kato & S Kato (Source: Leukemia)

Newly Identified Genetic Alterations In T-ALL Provide New Potential Treatment Strategies For Devastating Childhood Leukemia

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

A new study published in the journal Nature Medicine by NYU Cancer Institute researchers, 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). T-ALL is an aggressive blood cancer, predominately diagnosed in children. It occurs when one lymphoblast, an immature white blood cell, turns malignant, multiplying uncontrollably and spreading rapidly throughout the body. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal in a few weeks... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

50 Years Ago in The Journal of Pediatrics: The Central Nervous System Manifestations of Leukemia: A Report of 6 Cases with Meningeal Involvement

The Journal of Pediatrics — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 17:25:10 +0100

Steffey JM. J Pediatr 1962;60:183-90 The history of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) therapy is a Cinderella story. Fifty years ago, a child with ALL had a dismal prognosis. In The Journal in 1962, Steffey bemoaned the rate of children experiencing leukemia relapse in the central nervous system (CNS), particularly the meninges. Indeed, as a child, I remember vividly praying in church every Sunday that a boy 2 years older than me would overcome his ALL. He died after approximately 2 years, much like the children Steffey described. (Source: The Journal of Pediatrics)

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A case with postchemotherapy eruptive compound nevus

Indian Journal of Dermatology — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We present this rare case who was diagnosed as "eruptive compound nevus" on the basis of clinical signs, ALL diagnosis, chemotherapy history and histopathologic evaluation. (Source: Indian Journal of Dermatology)

Spotlight on Dasatinib in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia and Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

BioDrugs — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 23:22:39 +0100

(Source: BioDrugs)

Discovery of Small Molecule Mer Kinase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:59:14 +0100

ACS Medicinal Chemistry LettersDOI: 10.1021/ml200239k (Source: ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters)

Possible New Treatment Approaches Identified for ETP-ALLPossible New Treatment Approaches Identified for ETP-ALL

Medscape Today Headlines — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:26:02 +0100

Early T-cell precursor (ETP) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) might be more closely associated with AML than other ALL subtypes. This opens the door to potential new treatment options. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

New culprit discovered in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(NYU Langone Medical Center / New York University School of Medicine) A new study published in the journal Nature Medicine by NYU Cancer Institute researchers, shows how the cancer causing gene Notch, in combination with a mutated Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 protein complex, work together to cause T- cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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Bmi1 reprograms CML B-lymphoid progenitors to become B-ALL-initiating cells

Blood — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We report that Bmi1 transforms and reprograms CML B-lymphoid progenitors into stem cell leukemia (Scl) promoter-driven, self-renewing, leukemia-initiating cells to result in B-lymphoid leukemia (B-ALL) in vivo. In vitro, highly proliferating and serially replatable myeloid and lymphoid colony-forming cultures could be established from BCR-ABL and Bmi1 coexpressing progenitors. However, unlike in vivo expanded CML B-lymphoid progenitors, hematopoietic stem cells, or multipotent progenitors, coexpressing BCR-ABL and Bmi1 did not initiate or propagate leukemia in a limiting dilution assay. Inducible genetic attenuation of BCR-ABL reversed Bmi1-driven B-ALL development, which was accompanied by induction of apoptosis of leukemic B-lymphoid progenitors and by long-term animal survival, suggesti...

Expression and glucocorticoid-regulation of "Bam", a novel BH3-only transcript in acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Molecular Biology Reports — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Expression and glucocorticoid-regulation of "Bam", a novel BH3-only transcript in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Mol Biol Rep. 2012 Jan 12; Authors: Mansha M, Wasim M, Kofler A, Ploner C Abstract Apoptosis is a morphologically defined form of cell death that plays a major role in cell physiology, pathology and cancer therapy. The Bcl-2 family of pro- and anti-apoptotic molecules is a key regulator of this phenomenon, with the sub-family of BH3-only molecules serving as activators and/or facilitators. Apoptosis induced by glucocorticoids (GC) is a central component in the therapy of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and defining its molecular basis and that of GC resistance is crucial for therapeutic improvements. We recently identified a novel transcript from the BCL2L11/B...

Prolonged Survival with Imatinib Mesylate Combined with Chemotherapy and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation in de novo Ph+ Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Acta Haematologica — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our cases indicate that IM combined with daunorubicin-based chemotherapy followed by allo-HSCT and IM maintenance treatment is associated with a favorable outcome for de novo Ph+ AML, especially when IM is used in an early phase of AML. PMID: 22248505 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Acta Haematologica)

Genetic evaluation of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Iraq using FTA cards

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionInternational collaboration via FTA cards may be helpful to improve diagnosis and management of patients with hematological malignancies in low‐income and underdeveloped countries. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)

Palonosetron for the prevention of nausea and vomiting in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated with high dose methotrexate

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsA single dose of palonosetron—without concomitant corticosteroid—was effective in preventing both acute and delayed phase CINV in majority of children with ALL treated with HD‐MTX. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)

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Adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in Denmark. A national population‐based retrospective study on acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in Denmark 1998–2008

British Journal of Haematology — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

SummarySince July 2008, children and adults 1–45 years, diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in Denmark have been treated according to the common Nordic Society for Paediatric Haematology and Oncology ALL2008 protocol. To explore whether this strategy will improve survival compared with historical controls, we performed a retrospective national population‐based study of adult ALL between 1998 and 2008. Patients were identified through the Danish Patobank and the Danish Cancer Registry; data was collected from patient files, and included 277 patients (median age, 47 years, range 15–91 years). The 5‐year projected event‐free survival (pEFS5y) and overall survival (pOS5y) for the whole cohort was 27·5% [95% confidence interval (CI) 22·4–33·6] and 34·1% (95%...

The genetic basis of early T-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Nature — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Jinghui Zhang, Li Ding, Linda Holmfeldt, Gang Wu, Sue L. Heatley, Debbie Payne-Turner, John Easton, Xiang Chen, Jianmin Wang, Michael Rusch, Charles Lu, Shann-Ching Chen, Lei Wei, J. Racquel Collins-Underwood, Jing Ma, Kathryn G. Roberts, Stanley B. Pounds, Anatoly Ulyanov, Jared Becksfort, Pankaj Gupta, Robert Huether, Richard W. Kriwacki, Matthew Parker, Daniel J. McGoldrick, David Zhao, Daniel Alford, Stephen Espy, Kiran Chand Bobba, Guangchun Song, Deqing Pei, Cheng Cheng, Stefan Roberts, Michael I. Barbato, Dario Campana, Elaine Coustan-Smith, Sheila A. Shurtleff, Susana C. Raimondi, Maria Kleppe, Jan Cools, Kristin A. Shimano, Michelle L. Hermiston, Sergei Doulatov, Kolja Eppert, Elisa Laurenti, Faiyaz Notta, John E. Dick, Giuseppe Basso, Stephen P. Hunger, Mignon L. Loh, Me...

Need of Excluding Immunodeficiency and Related Challenges in Management of a Child with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Indian Journal of Pediatrics — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:33:49 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory CorrespondencePages 1-2DOI 10.1007/s12098-011-0641-4Authors Ketan Prasad Kulkarni, Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Stollery Children Hospital, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Journal Indian Journal of PediatricsOnline ISSN 0973-7693Print ISSN 0019-5456 (Source: Indian Journal of Pediatrics)

Horner syndrome in a newly diagnosed patient with high risk precursor b‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)

Prevalence and dynamics of bcr-abl kinase domain mutations during imatinib treatment differ in patients with newly diagnosed and recurrent bcr-abl positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Leukemia — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: H Pfeifer, T Lange, S Wystub, B Wassmann, J Maier, A Binckebanck, A Giagounidis, M Stelljes, M Schmalzing, U Dührsen, L Wunderle, H Serve, P Brück, A Schmidt, D Hoelzer & O G Ottmann (Source: Leukemia)

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A new development of triterpene acid‐containing extracts from Viscum album L. displays synergistic induction of apoptosis in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Cell Proliferation — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 20:57:37 +0100

Conclusion: Here for the first time, we have demonstrated that either solubilized triterpene acids or lectins and combinations thereof, induce dose‐dependent apoptosis in the ALL cell line NALM‐6 via caspase‐8 and ‐9 dependent pathways. (Source: Cell Proliferation)

Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor located in the pineal region following prophylactic irradiation for acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Brain Tumor Pathology — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 06:52:52 +0100

In this report, we present a case of a pineal region tumor causing acute hydrocephalus that could be pathologically diagnosed as AT/RT following prophylactic cranial irradiation for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportPages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s10014-011-0075-8Authors Atsushi Kuge, Department of Neurosurgery, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, 2-2-2 Iidanishi, Yamagata, 990-9585 JapanShinya Sato, Department of Neurosurgery, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, 2-2-2 Iidanishi, Yamagata, 990-9585 JapanKaori Sakurada, Department of Neurosurgery, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, 2-2-2 Iidanishi, Yamagata, 990-9585 JapanSunao Takemura, Department of Neurosurgery, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, 2-2-2 Iidanishi, Yamagata, ...

Acute leukemia incidence and patient survival among children and adults in the United States, 2001-2007

Blood — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Since 2001, the World Health Organization classification for hematopoietic and lymphoid neoplasms has provided a framework for defining acute leukemia (AL) subtypes, although few population-based studies have assessed incidence patterns and patient survival accordingly. We assessed AL incidence rates (IRs), IR ratios (IRRs), and relative survival in the United States (2001-2007) in one of the first population-based, comprehensive assessments. Most subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (ALL/L) predominated among males, from twice higher incidence of T-cell ALL/L among males than among females (IRR = 2.20) to nearly equal IRs of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL; IRR = 1.08). Compared with non-Hispanic whites, Hispanics had significantly higher in...

AAV8 vector expressing IL24 efficiently suppresses tumor growth mediated by specific mechanisms in MLL/AF4-positive ALL model mice

Blood — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We examined the effects of adeno-associated virus type 8 (AAV8) vector-mediated muscle-directed systemic gene therapy in MLL/AF4-positive ALL using IL24. In a series of in vitro studies, we examined the effects of AAV8-IL24–transduced C2C12 cell-conditioned medium. We also examined the effects of AAV8-IL24 in MLL/AF4 transgenic mice. The results revealed the effects of AAV8-IL24 in MLL/AF4-positive ALL both in vitro and in vivo. With regard to the mechanism of therapy using AAV8-IL24 in MLL/AF4-positive ALL, we demonstrated the antiangiogenicity and effects on the ER stress pathway and unreported pathways through inhibition of S100A6 and HOXA9, which is specific to MLL/AF4-positive ALL. Inhibition of S100A6 by IL24 was dependent on TNF-α and induced acetylation of p53 followed ...

Protumoral role of monocytes in human B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia: involvement of the chemokine CXCL10

Blood — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Myelomonocytic cells play a key role in the progression of many solid tumors. However, very little is known about their contribution to the progression of hematopoietic cancers. We investigated the role of monocytes in the progression of human B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL). We demonstrated that coculturing human monocytes in vitro with CD19+ BCP-ALL blasts from patients "conditioned" them to an inflammatory phenotype characterized by significant up-regulation of the chemokine, CXCL10. This phenotype was also observable ex vivo in monocytes isolated from BCP-ALL patients, which show elevated CXCL10 production compared with monocytes from healthy donors. Functionally, the "conditioned" monocytes promoted migration and invasive capacity of BCP-ALL cells. Increased in...

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Childhood B-cell progenitor acute lymphoblastic leukemia presenting a three-way t(11;12;21)(q14;p13;q22) with a RUNX1 gene signal on chromosome 11.

International Journal of Hematology — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ney-Garcia DR, Liehr T, Bhatt S, de Souza MT, de Matos RR, Pimenta G, Pulcheri W, Ribeiro RC, Abdelhay E, Silva ML PMID: 22215484 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Hematology)

BCL11B tumor suppressor inhibits HDM2 expression in a p53-dependent manner.

Cellular Signalling — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, we have examined whether or not BCL11B directly affects the p53 signaling pathway including HDM2, a ubiquitin ligase for p53 degradation. The p53 pathway regulates cell proliferation and the response to DNA damages to maintain genome integrity. Here we show that BCL11B binds to human HDM2-P2 promoter by ChIP (chromatin immuno-precipitation) assay and inhibits HDM2 expression in a p53-dependent manner. Deletion of the distal p53 responsive element in HDM2 promoter region or the lack of p53 in HCT116 cells greatly reduced the repressive effect of BCL11B on HDM2-P2 promoter activity. The repressive activity was alleviated in γ-ray induced DNA damage conditions that activate p53, suggesting interaction between BCL11B and p53 for HDM2 expression. These date suggest that BCL11B a...

Complete morphologic and molecular remission after introduction of dasatinib in the treatment of a pediatric patient with t‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and ABL1 amplification

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:25:21 +0100

We describe a pediatric case of T‐cell ALL with amplification of the ABL1 gene in which remission was achieved only after the addition of dasatinib to conventional chemotherapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)

CYP3A5 and NAT2 gene polymorphisms: role in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia risk and treatment outcome.

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the CYP3A5 and NAT2 metabolizing enzyme polymorphisms on the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The analysis was conducted on 204 ALL patients and in 364 controls from a Brazilian population, using PCR-RFLP. The CYP3A5*3 polymorphic homozygous genotype was more frequent among ALL patients and the *3 allele variant was significantly associated with increased risk of childhood ALL (OR = 0.29; 95% CI, 0.14-0.60). The homozygous polymorphic genotype for the *6 allele variant was extremely rare and found in only two individuals. The heterozygous frequencies were similar for the ALL group and the control group. No significant differences were observed between the groups analyzed regarding NAT2 variant polymorphisms. None of the polymorphi...

A human ESC model for MLL-AF4 leukemic fusion gene reveals an impaired early hematopoietic-endothelial specification.

Cell Research — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bueno C, Montes R, Melen GJ, Ramos-Mejia V, Real PJ, Ayllón V, Sanchez L, Ligero G, Gutierrez-Aranda I, Fernández AF, Fraga MF, Moreno-Gimeno I, Burks D, Del Carmen Plaza-Calonge M, Rodríguez-Manzaneque JC, Menendez P Abstract The MLL-AF4 fusion gene is a hallmark genomic aberration in high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia in infants. Although it is well established that MLL-AF4 arises prenatally during human development, its effects on hematopoietic development in utero remain unexplored. We have created a human-specific cellular system to study early hemato-endothelial development in MLL-AF4-expressing human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Functional studies, clonal analysis and gene expression profiling reveal that expression of MLL-AF4 in hESCs has a phenotypic, func...

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Rare versus common variants in pharmacogenetics: SLCO1B1 variation and methotrexate disposition [RESEARCH]

Genome Research — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Methotrexate is used to treat autoimmune diseases and malignancies, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Inter-individual variation in clearance of methotrexate results in heterogeneous systemic exposure, clinical efficacy, and toxicity. In a genome-wide association study of children with ALL, we identified SLCO1B1 as harboring multiple common polymorphisms associated with methotrexate clearance. The extent of influence of rare versus common variants on pharmacogenomic phenotypes remains largely unexplored. We tested the hypothesis that rare variants in SLCO1B1 could affect methotrexate clearance and compared the influence of common versus rare variants in addition to clinical covariates on clearance. From deep resequencing of SLCO1B1 exons in 699 children, we identified 93 SNPs, ...

Concurrent search for unrelated cord and volunteer donor in high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Annals of Hematology — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 06:58:18 +0100

Abstract To assess the effectiveness of the search for an unrelated donor on the outcome of patients with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia, we analyzed prospectively 136 patients who underwent a search for cord blood (CB) and an unrelated volunteer donor (UD) at the same time. The probability of finding a donor was 58.2%, 70.3%, and 75.7% at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. The median time to find a donor was 1.8 months for CB and 3.5 months for UD. Of the 99 patients with a donor, 38.4% failed to undergo the transplant because of a relapse observed at a median of 4 months from the start of the search. In univariate analysis, absence of relapse during the search (p < 0.0001) and transplant (p = 0.004) showed a positive impact on long-t...

Amplified segment in the ‘Down Syndrome critical region’ on HSA21 shared between Down syndrome and euploid AML‐M0 excludes RUNX1, ERG and ETS2

British Journal of Haematology — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We describe a minimal amplified segment within the so‐called ‘Down syndrome critical region’ shared between two cases of AML‐M0; a Down syndrome, and a constitutionally normal individual. Interestingly, the amplified region does not include the oncogenes RUNX1, ETS2 and ERG. (Source: British Journal of Haematology)

Survival from childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: the impact of social inequality in the United Kingdom

European Journal of Cancer — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 01:52:50 +0100

Conclusion: The existence of significant social disparities in ALL survival, which are not due to treatment accessibility, is of major clinical importance. Trends should be monitored and further research into potentially modifiable risk factors conducted. (Source: European Journal of Cancer)

Distinctive microRNA signature is associated with the diagnosis and prognosis of acute leukemia

Medical Oncology — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:43:29 +0100

Abstract MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are of great importance in pathogenesis, diagnosis and prognosis of acute leukemia (AL). We studied five AL-related miRNAs to confirm the significance of these miRNAs in AL. Samples tested included acute myeloid leukemia (AML), 107 cases; acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), 40 cases. Five AL-related miRNAs: miR-128, let-7b, miR-223, miR-181a and miR-155 expression were detected by qRT-PCR. Analysis showed that miRNA-128 expression was significantly higher in ALL (P < 0.001). However, the let-7b and miR-223 expressions in ALL were significantly lower than in AML (P < 0.001). Compared with normal controls, miR-128 expression was significantly higher in ALL (P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in ...

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B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia occurring in patients with a history of prior malignancies: is it therapy-related?

Haematologica — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The data support the interpretation and therapy-related precursor B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia does occur. In particular, cases associated with t(4;11)(q21;q23) or hypodiploidy with -5, -7, -17 are likely to be therapy-related and have a poor prognosis. The inferior outcome of these patients may be attributable to the high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities that are found in this group of patients. PMID: 22207681 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Haematologica)

Safety and efficacy of total body irradiation, cyclophosphamide, and cytarabine as a conditioning regimen for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

American Journal of Hematology — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This study retrospectively evaluated the long‐term safety and efficacy of a conditioning regimen consisting of total body irradiation (TBI; 12 Gy), cyclophosphamide (CY; 60 mg/kg, 2 doses), and high‐dose cytarabine (Ara‐C; 2 g/m2; 4 doses) for patients with ALL. Fifty‐five patients (median age: 31 years old) were evaluated. Stem cells were from human leukocyte antigen‐identical siblings in 22 patients and from alternative donors in 33. There were no cases of early death before engraftment, and 100‐day transplant‐related mortality was 7.3%. With a median follow‐up period of 9.6 years, 5‐year overall and disease‐free survival were 63.2% (95% CI: 46.5‐79.9%) and 63.6% (95% CI: 47.1‐80.1%) in patients with complete remission, respectively, both of which were significant...

Hypothalamic obesity syndrome: Rare presentation of CNS+ B‐cell lymphoblastic lymphoma

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 04:38:32 +0100

We describe a novel presentation of hypothalamic obesity syndrome in CNS B‐cell lymphoblastic lymphoma, responsive to chemotherapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)

Nuclear localization of lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (Lck) and its role in regulating Lim domain only 2 (Lmo2) gene.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research communications — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Venkitachalam S, Chueh FY, Yu CL Abstract Lim domain only protein 2 (Lmo2) is a transcription factor that plays a critical role in the development of T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). A previous report established a link between Lmo2 expression and the nuclear presence of oncogenic Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), a non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase. The oncogenic JAK2 kinase phosphorylates histone H3 on Tyr 41 that leads to the relief of Lmo2 promoter repression and subsequent gene expression. Similar to JAK2, constitutive activation of lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (Lck) has been implicated in lymphoid malignancies. However, it is not known whether oncogenic Lck regulates Lmo2 expression through a similar mechanism. We show here that Lmo2 expression is signi...

The prophylactic use of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor during remission induction is associated with increased leukaemia-free survival of adults with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: A joint analysis of five randomised trials on behalf of the EWALL

European Journal of Cancer — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The prophylactic use of G-CSF during induction of ALL is associated with improved long-term outcome and should be recommended especially in a setting of T-ALL and in ‘young adults’. Our analysis provides the first direct evidence coming from prospective trials for the impact of primary G-CSF prophylaxis on disease-free survival of oncological patients. (Source: European Journal of Cancer)

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Cryptosporidium gastroenteritis in Egyptian children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: magnitude of the problem

Infection — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 06:44:09 +0100

Conclusions Cryptosporidium infection should be considered in children with ALL presenting with prolonged or severe watery diarrhea during chemotherapy, especially those treated with methotrexate and 6-mercaptopurine. Since Cryptosporidium is not routinely tested for in stool examination, a MZN stain is recommended. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Clinical and Epidemiological StudyPages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s15010-011-0230-5Authors S. M. A. Hassanein, Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, P.B. 11381, Abbassia Square, Cairo, EgyptM. M. S. Abd-El-Latif, Department of Research and Applications of Supplementary Medicine, National Research Center, Cairo, EgyptO. M. Hassanin, Clinical Pathology, Molecular Department of Medical Research Center, Ain Shams U...

Fyn is not essential for Bcr-Abl-induced leukemogenesis in mouse bone marrow transplantation models.

International Journal of Hematology — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Doki N, Kitaura J, Uchida T, Inoue D, Kagiyama Y, Togami K, Isobe M, Ito S, Maehara A, Izawa K, Kato N, Oki T, Harada Y, Nakahara F, Harada H, Kitamura T Abstract The Bcr-Abl oncogene causes human Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph(+)) leukemias, including B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with chronic phase (CML-CP) to blast crisis (CML-BC). Previous studies have demonstrated that Src family kinases are required for the induction of B-ALL, but not for CML, which is induced by Bcr-Abl in mice. In contrast, it has been reported that Fyn is up-regulated in human CML-BC compared with CML-CP, implicating Fyn in the blast crisis transition. Here, we aimed to delineate the exact role of Fyn in the induction/progression of Ph(+) leuk...

[Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia initially diagnosed and treated as chronic juvenile arthritis.]

Anales de Pediatria — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Pérez Rodríguez T, Lassaletta Atienza A, González-Vincent M, Alonso Canal L, Madero López L PMID: 22196917 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Anales de Pediatria)

Parental Prenatal Smoking and Risk of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

American Journal of Epidemiology — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

The association between parental smoking and risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) was investigated in an Australian population-based case-control study that included 388 cases and 868 controls aged <15 years, recruited from 2003 to 2006. Both of the child’s parents provided information about their smoking habits for each year from age 15 years to the child’s birth. Data were analyzed by logistic regression. Maternal smoking was not associated with risk of childhood ALL, but the odds ratio for paternal smoking of ≥15 cigarettes per day around the time of the child’s conception was 1.35 (95% confidence interval: 0.98, 1.86). The associations between parental smoking risk of childhood ALL did not differ substantially by immunophenotypic or cytogenetic s...

NRP-1/CD304 Expression in Acute Leukemia: A Potential Marker for Minimal Residual Disease Detection in Precursor B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

American Journal of Clinical Pathology — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:14:56 +0100

Authors: Meyerson HJ, Blidaru G, Edinger A, Osei E, Schweitzer K, Fu P, Ho L Abstract Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1)/CD304 is a marker for plasmacytoid dendritic cells. We determined the distribution of NRP-1/CD304 expression on normal hematopoietic cells and in 167 acute leukemias by flow cytometry. NRP-1/CD304 surface expression was frequent in precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (36/51 [71%]) and uncommon in acute myeloid leukemia (22.9%). In acute myeloid leukemia, expression was noted in all (4/4) acute myeloid leukemias with the M4eo subtype and in 50% of specimens (6/12) with complex cytogenetics. On hematopoietic cells, NRP-1/CD304 was expressed on normal erythroid progenitors, plasma cells, and B-cell progenitors, as well as plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Expression was not...

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Pediatric Cancer Survivors May Develop Heart Problems Later

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Will a drug used to treat childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and other pediatric cancers cause heart problems later in life? UB associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences, Javier G. Blanco, PhD, who sees his work as a bridge between research and clinical practice, has focused recent efforts on trying to answer this question... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Predictors of bony morbidity in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsOlder age and lower LS‐BMD at diagnosis are predictors of lower LS‐BMD during continuation therapy. Dexamethasone and lower LS‐BMD during continuation therapy are associated with fractures. Using these variables it is feasible to develop a predictor model to define the risk of bony morbidity in children receiving ALL therapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)

Tumor necrosis predicts survival following neo‐adjuvant chemotherapy for hepatoblastoma

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsExtent of tumor necrosis following neo‐adjuvant chemotherapy is an independent prognostic factor in patients with newly diagnosed HB. Histological response may potentially be used in strategies to modify post‐surgical therapy to improve survival in HB. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)

MEIS1, PREP1, and PBX4 Are Differentially Expressed in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Association of MEIS1 Expression with Higher Proliferation and Chemotherapy Resistance

Journal of Experimental and Clinical Cancer Research — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our results indicate that up-regulation of MEIS1 is important for sustaining proliferation of leukemic cells and that down-regulation of MEIS1 or up-regulation of PREP1 and PBX genes could be implicated in the modulation of the cellular response to chemotherapeutic-induced apoptosis. (Source: Journal of Experimental and Clinical Cancer Research)

Effects of a home‐based exercise program on metabolic risk factors and fitness in long‐term survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsA simple home‐based exercise program was effective in improving cardiometabolic risk factor status and fitness in young adult survivors of childhood ALL. Simple exercise programs should be recommended to this population with increased risk of CVD to improve metabolic risk factor status and fitness. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)

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Activation of Akt is associated with poor prognosis and chemotherapeutic resistance in pediatric B‐precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionThese results support the contention that Akt activation is a mechanism of chemotherapeutic resistance in B‐pre ALL and suggest that Akt can be a therapeutic target for the treatment of relapsed or refractory pediatric B‐pre ALL. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)

An auto-SCT-based total therapy resulted in encouraging outcomes in adolescents and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: report from a single center of China

Bone Marrow Transplantation — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: J Huang, D-H Zou, Z-J Li, M-W Fu, Y Xu, Y-Z Zhao, J-Y Qi, S-Z Feng, B-C Liu, D Lin, Y-C Mi, M-Z Han, J-X Wang & L-G Qiu (Source: Bone Marrow Transplantation)

HPA Case Study: Technical Support for FDA Licensure of Erwinaze™

Pharmaceutical Technology — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Erwinaze™, a biotherapeutic used for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), is manufactured by the HPA in its cGMP facilities at Porton Down and is currently distributed to over 50 countries worldwide by EUSA Pharma. (Source: Pharmaceutical Technology)

Childhood cancer drugs cure now, may cause problems later, research shows

ScienceDaily Headlines — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 22:52:52 +0100

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. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Social Disparities Exist In Relation To Childhood Leukemia Survival

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:00:00 +0100

A study conducted by researchers from the Epidemiology & Genetics Unit in the Department of Health Sciences at University of York that was published online in the European Journal of Cancer revealed that children with leukemia from less-affluent backgrounds or areas are more likely to die. Each year 450 children are diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It is the most common form of cancer in children and treatment is lengthy and complex, with current treatments continuing two years for girls and three years for boys... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Digital gene expression profiling of primary acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells

Leukemia — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: J Nordlund, A Kiialainen, O Karlberg, E C Berglund, H Göransson-Kultima, M Sønderkær, K L Nielsen, M G Gustafsson, M Behrendtz, E Forestier, M Perkkiö, S Söderhäll, G Lönnerholm & A-C Syvänen (Source: Leukemia)

Childhood cancer drugs cure now, may cause problems later, UB research shows

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University at Buffalo) Will a drug used to treat childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and other pediatric cancers cause heart problems later in life? UB associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences, Javier G. Blanco, Ph.D., who sees his work as a bridge between research and clinical practice, has focused recent efforts on trying to answer this question. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Therapy‐related acute lymphoblastic leukemia is more frequent than previously recognized and has a poor prognosis

Cancer — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS:The frequency of therapy‐related ALL is higher than previously reported and has a poor prognosis, probably related to the high frequency of adverse risk features. Cancer 2012;. © 2011 American Cancer Society. (Source: Cancer)

Absence of biallelic TCRγ deletion predicts induction failure and poorer outcomes in childhood T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsThe absence of TCRγ deletion is a predictor of a poor response to induction chemotherapy for pediatric patients with T‐cell ALL in Taiwan. Providing patients with T‐cell ALL and ABD with alternative regimens may be worthwhile to test in future clinical trials. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)

Children whose father smoked at time of conception have 15% greater risk of developing leukaemia

the Mail online | Health — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:06:44 +0100

The study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, credits a number of factors in children developing acute lymphoblastic leukemia and follows others that have also found an increased risk. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

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Notch signaling in acute lymphoblastic leukemia: any role for stromal microenvironment?

Blood — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Notch signaling pathway regulates many different events of embryonic and adult development; among them, Notch plays an essential role in the onset of hematopoietic stem cells and influences multiple maturation steps of developing lymphoid and myeloid cells. Deregulation of Notch signaling determines several human disorders, including cancer. In the last decade it became evident that Notch signaling plays pivotal roles in the onset and development of T- and B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia by regulating the intracellular molecular pathways involved in leukemia cell survival and proliferation. On the other hand, bone marrow stromal cells are equally necessary for leukemia cell survival by preventing blast cell apoptosis and favoring their reciprocal interactions and cross-talk with bone m...

Dasatinib as first-line treatment for adult patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Blood — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Dasatinib is a potent BCR-ABL inhibitor effective in chronic myeloid leukemia and Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) resistant/intolerant to imatinib. In the GIMEMA LAL1205 protocol, patients with newly diagnosed Ph+ ALL older than 18 years (with no upper age limit) received dasatinib induction therapy for 84 days combined with steroids for the first 32 days and intrathecal chemotherapy. Postremission therapy was free. Fifty-three patients were evaluable (median age, 53.6 years). All patients achieved a complete hematologic remission (CHR), 49 (92.5%) at day 22. At this time point, 10 patients achieved a BCR-ABL reduction to < 10–3. At 20 months, the overall survival was 69.2% and disease-free survival was 51.1%. A significant difference in DFS was observed between patients wh...

No difference in outcome between children and adolescents transplanted for acute lymphoblastic leukemia in second remission

Blood — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This study documents that adolescents with ALL in second complete remission given HSCT in pediatric centers have an outcome that does not differ from that of patients younger than 14 years of age. (Source: Blood)

Kids' leukemia risk tied to dads' smoking

Modern Medicine — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Children whose fathers smoked have at least a 15% higher risk of developing acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a new Australian study finds. (Source: Modern Medicine)

A Step Toward More Accurate Dosing for Mercaptopurine in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Mulla H, Leary A, White P, Pandya HC PMID: 22174432 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology)

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Influence of age, sex, and haplotypes of thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) gene on 6- mercaptopurine toxicity in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:05:31 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorsPages 1-2DOI 10.1007/s00228-011-1185-2Authors Chakradhara Rao S. Uppugunduri, Department of Pediatrics, Onco-hematology Unit, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Willy-Donzé 6, 1211 Genève 14, SwitzerlandMarc Ansari, Department of Pediatrics, Onco-hematology Unit, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Willy-Donzé 6, 1211 Genève 14, Switzerland Journal European Journal of Clinical PharmacologyOnline ISSN 1432-1041Print ISSN 0031-6970 (Source: European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology)

Impact of age, gender and haplotypes of thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) and inosine triphosphate pyrophosphatase (ITPA) genes on 6-mercaptopurine toxicity in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:05:30 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorsPages 1-2DOI 10.1007/s00228-011-1187-0Authors Patchva Dorababu, Department of Medical Oncology, Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Hyderabad, IndiaShaik Mohammad Naushad, Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Hyderabad, IndiaVijay Kumar Kutala, Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Hyderabad, IndiaRaghunadharao Digumarti, Department of Medical Oncology, Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Hyderabad, India Journal European Journal of Clinical PharmacologyOnline ISSN 1432-1041Print ISSN 0031-6970 (Source: European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology)

A Two-Faced Leukemia?

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:00:00 +0100

One kind of leukemia sometimes masquerades as another, according to a study published online this week in the Journal of Experimental Medicine*. Leukemia results when normal immune cells accumulate mutations that drive uncontrolled growth. T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) derives from immature T cells, whereas acute myeloid leukemia (AML) comes from myeloid cells. Only 50% of adult T-ALL patients can be cured, and a team led by Adolfo Ferrando at Columbia University Institute for Cancer Genetics is trying to understand why... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Serotype-specific pneumococcal antibody concentrations in children treated for acute leukaemia

Archives of Disease in Childhood — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Children treated for acute leukaemia are at increased risk of infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae. The basis for this may include low levels of pneumococcal antibody but this has not been well studied. The authors measured serotype-specific pneumococcal IgG antibody concentrations in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) ≥6 months after completion of standard-dose chemotherapy. Pneumococcal serotype-specific IgG antibody concentrations were low. None of the subjects had protective concentrations against all the heptavalent-pneumococcal conjugate vaccine serotypes. There was no significant difference in antibody concentrations between subjects with ALL and AML (p≥0.05). Children treated for ALL and AML generally have non-protect...

Monitoring metabolites consumption and secretion in cultured cells using ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-ToF-MS).

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Paglia G, Hrafnsdóttir S, Magnúsdóttir M, Fleming RM, Thorlacius S, Palsson BO, Thiele I Abstract Here we present an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) method for extracellular measurements of known and unexpected metabolites in parallel. The method was developed by testing 86 metabolites, including amino acids, organic acids, sugars, purines, pyrimidines, vitamins, and nucleosides, that can be resolved by combining chromatographic and m/z dimensions. Subsequently, a targeted quantitative method was developed for 80 metabolites. The presented method combines a UPLC approach using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) and MS detection achieved by a hybrid quadrupole-time of flight (Q-ToF) mass spectrometer. The optimal set...

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Obesity and metabolic syndrome in adolescent survivors of standard risk childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Saudi Arabia

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionUnhealthy body weight and overfatness may be common amongst adolescent Saudi survivors of standard risk ALL, though overweight and obesity may be no more common than in the general Saudi adolescent population. Defining weight status using BMI underestimates overfatness. Ideally, body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors should be monitored at late effects clinics. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)

Safety of central venous catheter placement at diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionEarly CVC placement at the time of diagnosis of ALL was associated with a low surgical complication rate with no catheters requiring removal due to infection. Utilizing our current methods of preoperative preparation, surgical management and postoperative CVC care, early placement of a CVC is safe in children with ALL even when their ANC is <500/mm3, but larger cohort studies would be helpful to further clarify this issue. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)

ETV6 rearrangements are recurrent in myeloid malignancies and are frequently associated with other genetic events

Genes, Chromosomes and Cancer — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 01:42:03 +0100

AbstractETV6 (TEL) rearrangements are favorable in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia but are less well characterized in myeloid malignancies. We investigated 9,550 patients with myeloid disorders for ETV6 rearrangements by chromosome banding analysis and interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization. ETV6 rearrangements were identified in 51 of 9,550 (0.5%) patients (range, 19.2–85.3 years). Frequencies were in detail: acute myeloid leukemia (AML): 40 of 3,798, 1.1%; myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS): 6 of 3,375, 0.2%; myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs): 5 of 1,720, 0.3%; MDS/MPN: 0 of 210; and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia: 0 of 447. Thirty‐three different partner bands of ETV6 were identified, and most were recurrent: 3q26 (n = 10), 5q33 (n = 4), 17q11 (n = 3), 22q12 (n = 3), 5...

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in an adult patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia after remission induction chemotherapy.

International Journal of Hematology — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

We present a case of PRES in an adult patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) after remission induction chemotherapy. A 28-year-old woman with ALL was administered remission induction chemotherapy consisting of cyclophosphamide, daunorubicin, vincristine, prednisone, and L: -asparaginase. After initiation of chemotherapy, the patient developed paralytic ileus and hypertension, and on day 30, she suddenly developed generalized convulsions, loss of visual acuity, and muscle weakness in the legs. Magnetic resonance imaging findings and her signs and symptoms were typical of PRES. The symptoms gradually improved following treatment with an anticonvulsant and an antihypertensive agent, and the patient underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. She has completely recovered from PR...

The role of body mass index and other body composition parameters in early post-transplant complications in patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation with busulfan-cyclophosphamide conditioning.

International Journal of Hematology — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This study was conducted to determine whether body mass index (BMI) and other body composition parameters, such as lean body mass index (LBMI) and body fat mass (BFM), are associated with early post-transplantation toxicity and mortality in allogeneic HSCT recipients. The records of 71 patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), or myelodysplastic leukemia (MDS) who had undergone allogeneic HSCT with a conditioning regimen of busulfan-cyclophosphamide (Bu-Cy), between September 2003 and January 2009 at the Stem Cell Transplantation Unit of Gazi University Hospital were retrospectively evaluated. BMI was found to be negatively correlated with the NCI grade of mucositis, cardiotoxicity, emesis, and hyperglycemia, a...

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NUP98 gene fusions and hematopoietic malignancies: common themes and new biologic insights

Blood — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Structural chromosomal rearrangements of the Nucleoporin 98 gene (NUP98), primarily balanced translocations and inversions, are associated with a wide array of hematopoietic malignancies. NUP98 is known to be fused to at least 28 different partner genes in patients with hematopoietic malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia in blast crisis, myelodysplastic syndrome, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and bilineage/biphenotypic leukemia. NUP98 gene fusions typically encode a fusion protein that retains the amino terminus of NUP98; in this context, it is important to note that several recent studies have demonstrated that the amino-terminal portion of NUP98 exhibits transcription activation potential. Approximately half of the NUP98 fusion partners encode homeodoma...

Overexpression of LEF1 predicts unfavorable outcome in adult patients with B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Blood — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Aberrant activation of the Wnt pathway plays a pathogenetic role in various tumors and has been associated with adverse outcome in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). LEF1, a key mediator of Wnt signaling, has been linked to leukemic transformation, and recurrent mutations of LEF1 have been identified in pediatric T-ALL. Here we evaluated the prognostic significance of LEF1 expression in B-precursor ALL patients. LEF1 expression was determined by quantitative real-time RT-PCR in 282 adult B-precursor ALL patients treated on 06/99 and 07/03 GMALL trials. Patients were grouped into quartiles (Q1-Q4) according to LEF1 expression levels (LEF1 high, Q4; n = 71; LEF1 low, Q1-Q3; n = 211). Patients with high LEF1 expression had a significantly shorter relapse-free survival (RFS) compared with low...

Antileukemic effects of AMPK activators on BCR-ABL-expressing cells

Blood — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

We report that AMPK activators, such as metformin and 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide, suppress activation of the mTOR pathway in BCR-ABL–expressing cells. Treatment with these inhibitors results in potent suppression of chronic myeloid leukemia leukemic precursors and Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells, including cells expressing the T315I-BCR-ABL mutation. Altogether, our data suggest that AMPK is an attractive target for the treatment of BCR-ABL–expressing malignancies and raise the potential for use of AMPK activators in the treatment of refractory chronic myeloid leukemia and Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia. (Source: Blood)

Early implementation of antifungal therapy in the management of febrile neutropenia is associated with favourable outcome during induction chemotherapy for acute leukaemias

Internal Medicine Journal — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

ABSTRACTMortality related to induction chemotherapy during the treatment of acute leukaemias (AL) has been estimated at 5‐20%, and this increases with age. Fungal infection remains one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality and is considered an obstacle to the successful management of acute leukaemias.We retrospectively analysed all patients treated for acute leukaemias at a single institution between July 2006 and January 2009, to assess the impact of early antifungal therapy on outcome during induction chemotherapy. There were 44 episodes of induction chemotherapy, with a median age of patients of 61 years (range 18‐81), including 29 patients with acute myeloid leukaemia, 9 with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, and 6 with relapsed AL. The median age was 61 years (range 18‐81)...

T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: recent molecular biology findings

British Journal of Haematology — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

SummaryFor many years, T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T‐ALL) has been considered and treated as a single malignancy, but divergent outcomes in T‐ALL patients receiving uniform treatment protocols encouraged intensive research on the molecular biology of this disease. Recent findings in the field demonstrate that T‐ALL is much more heterogeneous than originally believed and extremely diverse outcomes of patients require refinement of T‐ALL classification, leading to subtype‐specific adjustment of treatment. Many different biological features of T‐ALL blast cells have recently been found to contribute to disease development and patient outcome and their analysis could potentially be introduced into improved diagnostics and classification of the disease. This review focus...

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Rare versus common variants in pharmacogenetics: SLCO1B1 variation and methotrexate disposition [RESEARCH]

Genome Research — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Does Hypereosinophilic Syndrome Precede Common B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in Childhood? A Case Report.

Acta Haematologica — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ayhan AC, Timur C, Ayhan Y, Cakır B, Erguven M Abstract Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) and the association of hypereosinophilia with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) are both rare in children. Some acute myelogenous leukaemias can present with eosinophilia, but the relationship between HES and ALL is not well known and is rarer than the relationship between HES and acute myelogenous leukaemia. Patients are diagnosed with HES when no cause is found to explain the eosinophilia leading to end organ damage. For this reason, it is recommended that patients presenting with hypereosinophilia be carefully assessed to exclude any malignant clonal proliferation. HES may present with severe clinical manifestations such as high leucocyte count, anaemia, thrombocytopaenia, hepato...

Cerebrospinal Fluid IL-6, TNF-α and MCP-1 in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia during Chemotherapy

Neuropediatrics — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

NeuropediatricsDOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1295477The aim of the study was to investigate the levels of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytokines during chemotherapy of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Examination of 12 ALL child (6 boys and 6 girls) patients evidenced significant increases in interleukin-6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) after induction treatment and significant increases in IL-6, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and MCP-1 levels during the consolidation phase, as compared to their values at the time of diagnosis. There were no significant differences in CSF IL-6, TNF-α and MCP-1 concentrations after therapy. Our data suggest that standard ALL treatment may cause a subclinical inflammation and neurotoxicity.[...]© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New YorkAr...

Regulation of O-acetylation of sialic acids by sialate-O-acetyltransferase and sialate-O-acetylesterase activities in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Glycobiology — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Enhanced expression of 9-O-acetylated sialoglycoproteins (Neu5,9Ac2-GPs) and 9-O-acetylated disialoganglioside (9-OAcGD3) was observed on lymphoblasts of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Sialate-O-acetyltransferase (SOAT) and sialate-O-acetylesterase (SIAE) are the two main enzymes responsible for the quantity of the O-acetyl ester groups on sialic acids (Sias). We have earlier shown an enhanced level of SOAT activity, capable of transferring acetyl groups to Sias of glycoconjugates in the microsomes of lymphoblasts of these children. We further observed a decreased SIAE activity in both lysosomal and cytosolic fractions of ALL cell lines and primary cells from bone marrow of patients compared with peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors, which preferentially hy...

Parental Prenatal Smoking and Risk of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Am J Epidemiol — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Milne E, Greenop KR, Scott RJ, Bailey HD, Attia J, Dalla-Pozza L, de Klerk NH, Armstrong BK Abstract The association between parental smoking and risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) was investigated in an Australian population-based case-control study that included 388 cases and 868 controls aged <15 years, recruited from 2003 to 2006. Both of the child's parents provided information about their smoking habits for each year from age 15 years to the child's birth. Data were analyzed by logistic regression. Maternal smoking was not associated with risk of childhood ALL, but the odds ratio for paternal smoking of ≥15 cigarettes per day around the time of the child's conception was 1.35 (95% confidence interval: 0.98, 1.86). The associations between paren...

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Influence of genetic polymorphisms of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes on the risk of developing leukemia in a Tunisian population.

Bulletin du Cancer — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, our findings suggest that leukemogenesis is associated with carcinogen metabolism and consequently related to environmental exposures. PMID: 22146408 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Bulletin du Cancer)

Synergistic activity of rapamycin and dexamethasone in vitro and in vivo in acute lymphoblastic leukemia via cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis

Leukemia Research — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Activation of the mTOR pathway subsequent to phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) mutation may be associated with glucocorticoid (GC) resistance in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The combination activity of rapamycin and dexamethasone in cell lines and xenograft models of ALL was determined. Compared with either drug alone, dexamethasone+rapamycin showed significantly greater apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in some cell lines, and was more frequently seen in T-lineage cell lines with PTEN mutation. The combination significantly extended the event-free survival of mice carrying PTEN mutated xenografts. Our data suggest that PI3K/mTOR pathway inhibitors could benefit patients with PTEN mutated T-ALL. (Source: Leukemia Research)

Anti-thrombin-III reduction and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). New insight into PRES pathophysiology

Annals of Hematology — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 06:48:14 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorPages 1-3DOI 10.1007/s00277-011-1376-zAuthors Andrea Piccin, Department of Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, San Maurizio Regional Hospital, Bolzano, South Tyrol, ItalyRoberto Currò Dossi, Stroke Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, San Maurizio Regional Hospital, Bolzano, South Tyrol, ItalyVincenzo Cassibba, Department of Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, San Maurizio Regional Hospital, Bolzano, South Tyrol, ItalySigmund Stupnner, Department of Radiology, San Maurizio Regional Hospital, Bolzano, South Tyrol, ItalyGiampietro Bonatti, Department of Radiology, San Maurizio Regional Hospital, Bolzano, South Tyrol, ItalySergio Cortelazzo, Department of Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, San Maurizio...

Polymorphisms in the TLR6 gene associated with the inverse association between childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and atopic disease

Leukemia — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: K G E Miedema, W J E Tissing, E M te Poele, W A Kamps, B Z Alizadeh, M Kerkhof, J C de Jongste, H A Smit, A P de Pagter, M Bierings, H M Boezen, D S Postma, E S J M de Bont & G H Koppelman (Source: Leukemia)

Fatigue in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic and myeloid leukemia in Japan

Pediatrics International — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: This study points out that pediatric leukemia survivors in Japan experienced equal or less fatigue compared with that of controls in different fatigue dimensions. Elucidation of underlying mechanisms of cancer‐related fatigue including the differences of cultural background among different countries is necessary for the future study of this issue. (Source: Pediatrics International)

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Myelodysplastic syndrome in a child with 15q24 deletion syndrome

American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

We report on a 13‐year‐old boy with this syndrome manifesting childhood myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). He had characteristic facial features, hypospadias, and mild developmental delay. He showed neutropenia and thrombocytopenia for several years. At age 13 years, bone marrow examination was performed, which showed a sign suggestive of childhood MDS: mild dysplasia in the myeloid, erythroid, and megakaryocytic cell lineages. Array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) revealed a de novo 3.4 Mb 15q24.1q24.3 deletion. Although MDS has not been described in patients with the syndrome, a boy was reported to have acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The development of MDS and hematological malignancy in the syndrome might be caused by the haploinsufficiency of deleted 15q24 segment...

Spontaneous, transient regression of B lymphoblastic leukemia in an adult patient: A variant presentation of prodromal/pre-ALL

Leukemia Research — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Rarely, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) can present after a brief preleukemic phase of pancytopenia/bone marrow failure, followed by transient and spontaneous normalization of bone marrow cellularity and peripheral blood counts, with subsequent progression to overt leukemia . These uncommon cases have been well described in children and adolescents, and very rarely in adults, and are often referred to as prodromal ALL or pre-ALL . The pancytopenic episode lasts for a few days up to a few weeks, typically followed by complete and spontaneous recovery . The prognosis has been reported not to be different from patients with classic presentation of ALL . (Source: Leukemia Research)

Clinical significance of early T‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: results of the Tokyo Children’s Cancer Study Group Study L99‐15

British Journal of Haematology — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

SummaryEarly T‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ETP‐ALL) is a recently identified subtype of T‐ALL with distinctive gene expression and cell marker profiles, poor response to chemotherapy and a very high risk of relapse. We determined the reliability of restricted panel of cell markers to identify EPT‐ALL using a previously classified cohort. Then, we applied the cell marker profile that best discriminated ETP‐ALL to a cohort of 91 patients with T‐ALL enrolled in the Tokyo Children’s Cancer Study Group L99‐15 study, which included allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT) for patients with poor prednisone response. Five of the 91 patients (5·5%) met the ETP‐ALL criteria. There were no significant differences in presenting clinical features between th...

Genomic profiling of B-progenitor acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Best Practice and Research. Clinical Haematology — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is comprised of multiple subtypes defined by recurring chromosomal alterations that are important events in leukemogenesis and are widely used in diagnosis and risk stratification, yet fail to fully explain the biology of this disease. In the last 5 years, genome-wide profiling of gene expression, structural DNA alterations and sequence variations has yielded important insights into the nature of submicroscopic genetic alterations that define novel subgroups of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and cooperate with known cytogenetic alterations in leukemogenesis. Importantly, several of these alterations are important determinants of risk of relapse and are potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Here, these advances and future directions in th...

Should the presence of minimal residual disease (MRD) in morphologic complete remission alter post-remission strategy in AML?

Best Practice and Research. Clinical Haematology — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring, particularly via multiparameter flow (MPF) cytometry assessed after chemotherapy, has been very useful in the prognostic and therapeutic approach for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. While many studies suggest that MRD monitoring (using MPF or other techniques that are more sensitive than morphologic examination) might be able to accurately predict patient outcome, there is very little data suggesting that treatment decisions should be altered based on such measurements. Proving that MPF-defined MRD should prompt a change in treatment plan optimally requires a contemporaneous control group or at least a historical control treated in standard fashion. (Source: Best Practice and Research. Clinical Haematology)

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Successful treatment of disseminated fusariosis with voriconazole in an acute lymphoblastic leukaemia patient

Mycoses — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

We report the case of a 53‐year‐old woman with Philadelphia‐positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. During induction chemotherapy with febrile neutropenia, she developed a disseminated fusariosis, with persistent fever refractory to antibacterial agents and caspofungin (as empirical therapy), painful skin lesions and respiratory impairment. Fusarium solani was isolated from skin biopsy. Voriconazole was successfully implemented as antifungal curative therapy. During the second intensive chemotherapy no reactivation of fusariosis was detected. (Source: Mycoses)

Reactive hyperemia index and detection of endothelial dysfunction in paediatric hemato/oncology patients

Artery Research — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate endothelial dysfunction (ED) in children following treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in comparison with healthy controls (HC) and to correlate Reactive Hyperemia Index (RHI) with anthropometric and biochemical parameters. (Source: Artery Research)

Phase 2 trial of clofarabine in combination with etoposide and cyclophosphamide in pediatric patients with refractory or relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Blood — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

The outcomes in children with refractory/relapsed (R/R) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are dismal. The efficacy and safety of intravenous clofarabine 40 mg/m2 per day, cyclophosphamide 440 mg/m2 per day, and etoposide 100 mg/m2 per day for 5 consecutive days in pediatric patients with R/R ALL was evaluated in this phase 2 study. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (complete remission [CR] plus CR without platelet recovery [CRp]). Among the 25 patients (median age, 14 years; pre-B cell ALL, 84%; ≥ 2 prior regimens: 84%; refractory to previous regimen: 60%), the overall response rate was 44% (7 CR, 4 CRp) with a 67.3-week median duration or remission censored at last follow-up. Most patients proceeded to alternative therapy, and 10 patients (40%) received hematopoietic stem...

Association of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and visceral leishmaniasis.

Annales de Biologie Clinique — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

We report the case of a 20-year-old woman treated for ALL. During maintenance treatment, the patient presents with pallor, prolonged fever and asthenia. The examination objective splenomegaly and blood counts showed pancytopenia. The bone marrow aspiration confirmed the diagnosis of VL. The patient was treated with antimoniate of meglumine with good evolution. PMID: 22123576 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Annales de Biologie Clinique)

Does octreotide prevent l‐asparaginase‐associated pancreatitis in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia?

British Journal of Haematology — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Haematology)

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CDKN2A/B Alterations Impair Prognosis in Adult BCR-ABL1-Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients.

Clinical Cancer Research — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Inactivation of the 9p21 locus by genomic deletion is a frequent event in BCR-ABL1-positive ALL. Deletions are frequently acquired during leukemia progression and are a poor prognostic marker of long-term outcomes. Clin Cancer Res; 17(23); 7413-23. ©2011 AACR. PMID: 22134481 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Cancer Research)

Evaluation of antiproliferative effect of N‐(alkyladamantyl)phthalimides in vitro

Chemical Biology and Drug Design — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractA series of (1‐adamantyl)phthalimides, 1‐4, and (2‐adamantyl)phthalimides, 5‐8, characterized by different chain length between the adamantyl and the phthalimide moiety were synthesized, as well as 1‐ and 2‐adamantylphthalimides substituted by nitro 9, 10, and amino group 11, 12, and phthalimides bearing homoadamantyl 13 and protoadamantyl substituent 14 and 15. The compounds were tested for antiproliferative activity in vitro on a series of five human cancer lines: MCF‐7 (breast carcinoma), SW 620 (colon carcinoma), HCT 116 (colon carcinoma), MOLT‐4 (acute lymphoblastic leukemia), H 460 (lung carcinoma) and a non‐tumor cell line HaCaT (human keratinocytes). All compounds except nitro derivatives 9 and 10 exhibited antiproliferative activity. The activity was gene...

New treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Modern Medicine Contemporary Pediatrics — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

The US FDA has approved asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi to treat patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who are allergic to Escherichia coli-delivered asparaginase or pegaspargase chemotherapy drugs. (Source: Modern Medicine Contemporary Pediatrics)

Immunophenotypic characterization of acute leukemia at a public oncology reference center in Maranhão, northeastern Brazil.

Sao Paulo Medical Journal — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: This work demonstrates that the frequencies of AML M0 cases among adults and T-ALL cases among children in Maranhão were high. This suggests that there may be differences in AML subtype incidence, as seen with ALL subtypes, in different regions of Brazil. No association was found between the expression of aberrant phenotypes and prognostic factors, in children with ALL. PMID: 22249795 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Sao Paulo Medical Journal)

Double‐delayed intensification paediatric protocol without radiotherapy is an efficient treatment in adult lymphoblastic lymphoma

Hematological Oncology — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

We report here the feasibility of a double‐delayed intensification paediatric protocol in 12 adult LBL patients. There were no relapses and no deaths, with a median follow‐up of 4.7 years. Using the same protocol, overall survival was significantly longer in LBL patients versus ALL patients (100% vs 75%, p = 0.05). Overall tolerance was acceptable and better in ALL patients. We have shown the feasibility and the good results of using this paediatric protocol in LBL. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Hematological Oncology)

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A possible 5′-NRIP1/UHRF1-3′ fusion gene detected by array CGH analysis in a Ph+ ALL patient

Cancer Genetics and Cytogenetics — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

A translocation between chromosomes 19 and 21 [dic/t(19;21)(p13;v)] is very rare. To date, only three cases of this particular chromosomal abnormality have been reported. The translocations in these three cases were secondary changes in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients with the t(9;22) translocation. The gene(s) at the breakpoints of either chromosome 19p13 or 21q have not yet been identified. Here, we present a case study of a 21-year-old female with a diagnosis of precursor B cell ALL, with the t(9;22) translocation and secondary changes including a der(19)t(19;21) and an extra Philadelphia (Ph+) chromosome [der(22)t(9;22)]. Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis identified UHRF1 and NRIP1 as genes that were interrupted at the breakpoints of 19p13.3 and 21q21....

Diversity of Human Leukemia Xenograft Mouse Models: Implications for Disease Biology

Cancer Research — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Over the past decade, xenografting human leukemia cells into mice with different levels of immunodeficiency, with or without preconditioning, has provided an important tool to study various aspects of leukemia biology and to identify distinct clinical risk groups for evaluation of novel therapeutic strategies, as well as the possibility of amplifying human leukemia cells in vivo. Interestingly, these models using human acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia cells as xenografts recapitulate many clinical features of the disease. Similar to the human environment (for example, in the bone marrow), transplanted leukemia cells in the murine setting are exposed to both favorable and unfavorable conditions for engraftment that may exert a distinct pressure for selection of subclo...

Adverse interactions between antifungal azoles and vincristine: review and analysis of cases

Mycoses — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Improved outcome of allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplantation for children with philadelphia positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

British Journal of Haematology — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 10:16:38 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Haematology)

The Fat1 cadherin is overexpressed and an independent prognostic factor for survival in paired diagnosis–relapse samples of precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Leukemia — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

The Fat1 cadherin is overexpressed and an independent prognostic factor for survival in paired diagnosis–relapse samples of precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia Leukemia advance online publication, November 25, 2011. doi:10.1038/leu.2011.319 Authors: C E de Bock, A Ardjmand, T J Molloy, S M Bone, D Johnstone, D M Campbell, K L Shipman, T M Yeadon, J Holst, M D Spanevello, G Nelmes, D R Catchpoole, L F Lincz, A W Boyd, G F Burns & R F Thorne (Source: Leukemia)

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Effective ALL Treatment, With or Without Allergies

About.com Lymphoma — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Earlier this week, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval to a new drug that will make treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) a little easier. Up until now, ALL patients were treated using asparaginase (Elspar) or pegasparagase (Oncaspar), both of which are enzymes that are derived from the bacteria e.coli. Unfortunately, some patients develop an allergy to these medications over time and their therapy becomes limited as a result....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Lymphoma)

Anti-Escherichia coli asparaginase antibody levels determine the activity of second-line treatment with pegylated E coli asparaginase: a retrospective analysis within the ALL-BFM trials

Blood — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Hypersensitivity reactions limit the use of the antileukemic enzyme asparaginase (ASE). We evaluated Ab levels against Escherichia coli ASE and ASE activity in 1221 serum samples from 329 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who had received ASE treatment according to the ALL-BFM 2000 or the ALL-REZ BFM 2002 protocol for primary or relapsed disease. ASE activity during first-line treatment with native E coli ASE and second-line treatment with pegylated E coli ASE was inversely related to anti–E coli ASE Ab levels (P < .0001; Spearman rank order correlation). An effect on ASE activity during second-line treatment with pegylated E coli ASE was, however, only observed when anti–E coli ASE Ab levels were high (> 200 AU/mL). In the presence of moderate or intermediate Ab...

ATF5 polymorphisms influence ATF function and response to treatment in children with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Blood — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Asparaginase is a standard and critical component in the therapy of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Asparagine synthetase (ASNS) and the basic region leucine zipper activating transcription factor 5 (ATF5) and arginosuccinate synthase 1 (ASS1) have been shown to mediate the antileukemic effect of asparaginase and to display variable expression between leukemia cells that are resistant and sensitive to treatment. Fourteen polymorphisms in the regulatory and coding regions of these genes were investigated for an association with acute lymphoblastic leukemia outcome. Lower event-free survival (EFS) was associated with ATF5 T1562C, tandem-repeat ASNS polymorphism, derived haplotype, and ASS1 G1343T and G34T substitutions (P ≤ .03). Associations were limited to patients who received ...

Hematological disorders and leukemia in children with Down syndrome

European Journal of Pediatrics — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:36:26 +0100

Abstract Constitutional trisomy 21 inherent to Down syndrome (DS) is associated with several hematological disorders occurring at different ages. Neonates with DS may present with transient asymptomatic blood count abnormalities such as neutrophilia, thrombocytopenia and polycythemia. Within 1–2 months of life, 3–10% of DS infants develop transient myeloproliferative disease. Despite a spontaneous regression in most of the cases, TMD can be fatal or lead to the subsequent development of myeloid leukemia in 20% of DS children (DS ML). DS ML has clinical and biological features that define a unique entity with a high sensitivity to chemotherapy and a favorable outcome. Children with DS also have an increased risk of developing acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) chara...

Anatomical distribution of vertebral fractures: comparison of pediatric and adult spines

Osteoporosis International — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:40:37 +0100

Conclusions These results suggest that the anatomical distribution of VF differs between children and adults, perhaps relating to the different shape of the immature spine, notably the changing ratio of kyphosis to lordosis. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-10DOI 10.1007/s00198-011-1837-1Authors K. Siminoski, Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, University of Alberta, 6628-123 Street, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6H 3T6K.-C. Lee, Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, University of Alberta, Edmonton, CanadaH. Jen, Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, University of Alberta, Edmonton, CanadaR. Warshawski, Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, University of Alberta, Edmonton, CanadaM. A. Matzinger, Department...

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FDA Approves Erwinaze To Treat A Form Of Leukemia

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:00:00 +0100

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Erwinaze (asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi) to treat patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), who have developed an allergy (hypersensitivity) to E. coli derived asparaginase and pegaspargase chemotherapy drugs used to treat ALL. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes too many lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. White blood cells help the body fight infection and are formed in the bone marrow... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia - FDA Approves Erwinaze

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:00:00 +0100

White blood cells (Lymphocytes) help the body fight infection, however acute lymphoblastic leukemia, also known as cancer of the white blood cells, is characterized by a production of excess lymphocytes in the bone marrow. The U.S. FDA has just approved a new drug called Erwinaze (asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi), manufactured by EUSA Pharma Inc. of Langhorne, which is designed for treatment in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who have a hypersensivity to asparaginase and pegaspargase chemotherapy drugs derived from E.coli for treatment of ALL... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Health Protection Agency welcomes the Approval of ERWINAZE™ Biologics License Application for Treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Health Protection Agency — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:31:57 +0100

The Health Protection Agency welcomed the news that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the Biologics License Application (BLA) for ERWINAZE™. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Erwinaze Approved for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

MedicineNet Allergies General — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Erwinaze Approved for Acute Lymphoblastic LeukemiaCategory: Health NewsCreated: 11/18/2011 2:05:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 11/21/2011 (Source: MedicineNet Allergies General)

Myelosuppression and infectious complications in children with down syndrome and acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractChildren with Down syndrome (DS) bear an increased risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and treatment complications. We compared blood counts and toxicities in 22 DS and 44 non‐DS ALL patients. Patients with DS had deeper, longer neutrophil and monocyte count nadirs; more toxicities (HR 2.0, P = 0.0005); longer hospitalizations (HR 1.4, P < 0.0001); and more frequent microbiologically documented infections (HR 5.7, P = 0.0019), mucositis (HR 29.0, P = 0.0006), and cellulitis (HR 3.0, P = 0.033). Severe neutropenia, monocytopenia, and increased cellulitis in DS‐ALL suggest the importance of skin hygiene, vigilance and aggressive treatment of cutaneous infections. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer...

EUSA Pharma Announces FDA Approval Of Orphan Drug ERWINAZE™ For Treatment Of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Pharmaceutical Online News — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 04:56:00 +0100

EUSA Pharma, a transatlantic specialty pharmaceutical company focused on oncology, oncology supportive care and critical care, today announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its orphan drug ERWINAZE™ (asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi) for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in patients with hypersensitivity to E. coli-derived asparaginase. (Source: Pharmaceutical Online News)

T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Associated with Complex Karyotype and SET-NUP214 Rearrangement: A Case Study and Review of the Literature.

Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Science — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 22:18:03 +0100

Authors: Lee SG, Park TS, Cho SY, Lim G, Park GJ, Oh SH, Cho EH, Chong SY, Huh JY Abstract SET-NUP214 rearrangements have been rarely reported in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), acute undifferentiated leukemia, and acute myeloid leukemia, and most documented cases have been associated with normal karyotypes in conventional cytogenetic analyses. Here, we describe a novel case of T-ALL associated with a mediastinal mass and a SET-NUP214 rearrangement, which was masked by a complex karyotype at the time of initial diagnosis. Using multiplex reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis, we detected a cryptic SET-NUP214 rearrangement in our patient. As only 11 cases (including the present study) of T-ALL with SET-NUP214 rearrangement have been reported, the clin...

Erwinaze Approved for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

The Doctors Lounge - Oncology — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:44:00 +0100

A rare form of blood cancer (Source: The Doctors Lounge - Oncology)

FDA Gives Nod to New Leukemia Treatment

MedPage Today Hematology/Oncology — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:35:46 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- The FDA has approved a new compound for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients who are allergic to asparaginase derived from Escherichia coli. (Source: MedPage Today Hematology/Oncology)

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FDA Approves Erwinaze to Treat Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Drugs.com - New Drug Approvals — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:11:14 +0100

November 18, 2011 -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Erwinaze (asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi) to treat patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), who have developed an allergy (hypersensitivity) to E. coli derived... (Source: Drugs.com - New Drug Approvals)

EUSA Pharma Announces FDA Approval of Orphan Drug ERWINAZE(TM) for Treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

HSMN NewsFeed — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:29:38 +0100

First and only alternative for patients with hypersensitivity to standard-of-care treatment with E. coli-derived pegaspargase LANGHORNE, Pa. and OXFORD, England, Nov. 18, 2011 (HSMN NewsFeed) -- EUSA Pharma, a transatlantic specialty pharmaceutical c... Biopharmaceuticals, Oncology, FDAEUSA Pharma, ERWINAZE, asparaginase, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Source: HSMN NewsFeed)

FDA approves Erwinaze to treat a form of leukemia

Food and Drug Administration — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:46:00 +0100

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Erwinaze (asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi) to treat patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), who have developed an allergy (hypersensitivity) to E. coli derived asparaginase and pegapargase chemotherapy drugs used to treat ALL. (Source: Food and Drug Administration)

Absolute lymphocyte counts refine minimal residual disease‐based risk stratification in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsALC, a readily obtainable test, constitutes a significant and independent prognostic factor in childhood ALL that may refine current MRD‐based risk stratification algorithms and provide key prognostic information in settings where MRD determination is not feasible. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)