MINIMAL RESIDUAL DISEASE IN ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKAEMIA
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$455,204.00
Summary
This project will study the extremely small numbers of leukaemic cells which are found in patients who are apparently healthy, but which sometimes lead to relapse. Very sensitive methods for measuring and studying low levels of leukaemic cells will be developed and used. To develop new better treatments in the long term, we will study why current treatment sometimes fails to eradicate the leukaemia, leading to patients relapsing. Clinicians currently need to obtain samples of bone marrow to asse ....This project will study the extremely small numbers of leukaemic cells which are found in patients who are apparently healthy, but which sometimes lead to relapse. Very sensitive methods for measuring and studying low levels of leukaemic cells will be developed and used. To develop new better treatments in the long term, we will study why current treatment sometimes fails to eradicate the leukaemia, leading to patients relapsing. Clinicians currently need to obtain samples of bone marrow to assess leukaemia, and the research will show whether this needs to be continued, or whether, with sensitive tests, samples of blood can be used instead. The study will involve collaboration with clinicians throughout Australia and overseas.Read moreRead less
Genetic Analysis Of Drug Resistance In Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$227,036.00
Summary
Treatment for childhood leukaemia fails in approximately 25% of children owing to resistance to the drugs being used. Our recent evidence suggests that only a few rare leukaemic cells are initially resistant at the commencement of treatment. This project aims to isolate these rare cells and to look for genetic changes in them which might account for their resistance. Hopefully an understanding of the genetic basis for drug resistance will lead to better means of overcoming it.
We propose to use a number of genetic approaches to identify key mutations involved in Polycythemia vera. We will analyse patient material, use cell lines and mouse models to investigate any new mutations. We also aim to dissect the role of an important blood cell surface receptor and its cooperation with the mutation in JAK2 recently shown to be important in this disease. These approaches will lead to better understanding of the disease and potential new diagnostic and drug strategies.