A novel method for treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The pathogenesis of AML is due to a halted maturation of myeloid cells (a type of white blood cell). We developed a propriety antibody that is unique in its ability to induce maturation of healthy monocytes (immature cells) to mature cells. We have preliminary data that this antibody is also able to induce maturation of AML cells.
OBJECTIVE
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a type of leukemia where there is uncontrolled production of white blood cells. These leukemia cells are abnormal and overtime they overcrowd the normal blood cells, leading to anemia, bleeding and infections. AML is an aggressive type of leukemia where there are too many immature myeloid cells (type of white blood cells).
Current treatment for AML is chemotherapy, followed by a stem cell therapy if the patient is at high risk for relapse. However, finding a bone marrow match is never easy, there is only a 25% chance of finding a match (2016 Straits Times article). According to the Canadian Cancer Society statistics, AML has a five-year overall survival of 21%, similar to lung, liver and brain cancer (19%).
While there is a possibility to achieve complete remission, given the diverse nature of the disease, there is great variation between patient prognosis and outcomes. Hence, new and better treatment options are required.
IMPACT
According to the American Cancer Society, one in three people with AML do not go into remission with the current standard of chemotherapy. The chance of remission depends on various factors such as age. Older adults generally do not fare well with intensive chemotherapy and have specific gene changes which have been linked to poorer outcomes. Given that the average age for AML diagnosis in the US is around 68 to 70 years, the number of AML patients is set to rise with increasing ageing global population. There is also up to 50% of patients that relapse after initial chemotherapy.
This antibody treatment may pave the way for a more tolerable treatment for older adults or be combined with other chemotherapeutic agents to increase patient outcomes.
Contact A/Prof Herbert Schwarz (phssh@nus.edu.sg) for more details.