Leukemia Clinical Trials

The Latest in Leukemia Treatment Options

Our system links people with leukemia to clinical trials, offering them additional options for treatment and research. On our platform, you’ll discover comprehensive details about clinical trials covering all phases of leukemia. These trials provide new treatments designed to target the specific aspects of your leukemia diagnosis. This gives you the opportunity to actively combat the illness with our support.

After checking your medical records and using our AI system, we find clinical trials that you might qualify for. We also offer a concierge service to help you smoothly transition into the clinical trial.
Our team of nurses and doctors will handle all aspects of your involvement in the trial, from start to finish. All the services provided are completely free for you and your treating oncologist.

Understanding the disease

What is Leukemia?

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, the soft tissue inside bones where blood cells are produced. It leads to the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells, which can impair the body’s ability to fight infection and affect the production of other types of blood cells, such as red blood cells (which carry oxygen) and platelets (which help with blood clotting).
There are several types of leukemia, classified based on the speed of progression and the type of blood cells affected. They are mainly categorized into two groups:

1-Acute leukemia: This type progresses quickly and requires immediate treatment. It is characterized by the rapid increase of immature blood cells. The two main types are acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
2-Chronic leukemia: This type progresses more slowly and might not require treatment immediately. Patients can live with it for many years without symptoms. The two main types are chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
The exact cause of leukemia is not known, but it’s thought to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Symptoms may include fatigue, fever, frequent infections, easy bruising or bleeding, weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes.

What are the current treatment options for Leukemia?

The treatment for leukemia varies depending on several factors, including the type of leukemia (acute or chronic), the patient’s age, overall health, and the stage of the disease. Treatment strategies aim to destroy leukemia cells and restore normal blood cell production. Here’s an overview of usual treatments:

1-Chemotherapy: The most common treatment for leukemia, which uses drugs to kill leukemia cells. It can be administered orally or intravenously and often involves a combination of drugs.

2-Targeted therapy: Uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific leukemia cells without harming normal cells. This approach can have fewer side effects than chemotherapy.

3-Immunotherapy: Boosts the body’s natural defenses to fight the cancer. It uses substances made by the body or in a laboratory to improve or restore immune system function.

4-Radiation therapy: Uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. It can be targeted to specific areas where leukemia cells are concentrated or used throughout the body.

5-Stem cell transplant (Bone marrow transplant): Replaces diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow, either from a donor (allogeneic transplant) or the patient’s own cells (autologous transplant). This can be a treatment option, especially for acute leukemia if other treatments are not effective.

6-Biological therapy (or biotherapy): Involves the use of living organisms, substances derived from living organisms, or synthetic versions of such substances to treat disease. For leukemia, this might include using interferons or monoclonal antibodies to help control the growth of cancer cells.

What are the mutations associated with Leukemia?

Leukemia is associated with various genetic mutations that can influence the behavior of blood cells, contributing to their uncontrolled growth and division. These mutations can vary significantly among the different types of leukemia. Here’s a general overview of some common mutations associated with the main types of leukemia:

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

FLT3: This gene mutation is one of the most common in AML and is associated with a poor prognosis.

NPM1: Mutation in the NPM1 gene can be associated with a better response to certain treatments in patients without an FLT3 mutation.

CEBPA: Mutations in this gene are often associated with a favorable prognosis when they occur as double mutations.

IDH1 and IDH2: Mutations in these genes are involved in the metabolism of cells and can influence the behavior of leukemia cells.

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)

BCR-ABL1: The presence of this fusion gene, resulting from a translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22 (known as the Philadelphia chromosome), is a hallmark of CML. This mutation leads to the production of an abnormal tyrosine kinase protein that promotes cancer cell growth.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

Philadelphia chromosome (BCR-ABL1 fusion): Although more commonly associated with CML, this mutation is also found in a subset of ALL cases and affects treatment choices.

ETV6-RUNX1: This gene fusion is common in childhood ALL and is generally associated with a good prognosis.

T-Cell Receptor gene rearrangements: These are common in T-cell ALL and impact how the disease progresses and responds to treatment.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

Deletions in chromosome 13q, 11q, and 17p: These chromosomal abnormalities can affect prognosis and treatment decisions. Deletion of 17p, which includes the TP53 gene, is associated with a more aggressive form of the disease and a poorer response to standard treatments.

IGHV mutation status: The mutation status of the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region gene can also influence prognosis, with mutated IGHV generally associated with a better outcome.

Clinical Trials and Leukemia

Clinical trials are vital in leukemia treatment for several reasons:

1-Access to Innovative Therapies: Clinical trials offer patients the chance to receive cutting-edge treatments not yet widely available. This is crucial for leukemia, where existing treatment options may be limited or less effective for certain individuals.

2-Enhancing Treatment Success: By participating in clinical trials, patients contribute important information that can improve treatment strategies, survival rates, and quality of life for future leukemia patients.

3-Comprehensive Care: Patients in clinical trials receive attentive healthcare from a dedicated team of professionals and researchers, ensuring close monitoring of their condition.

4-Providing Hope: For those battling leukemia, clinical trials can offer hope for their own recovery and for advancing treatments that could benefit others in similar situations.

5-Pushing Research Forward: Clinical trials are essential for progressing medical knowledge, helping to determine the effectiveness of new treatments and identify the most beneficial approaches for different patients. This research is key to developing more effective treatments and personalized care strategies for leukemia.