Molecular Test Might Be The Biggest Breakthrough In Leukemia
A groundbreaking bone marrow test may significantly improve outcomes for individuals with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), according to a new study. One patient, 51-year-old Jan Leahy from Wimbledon, England, credits this advanced test with saving her life. After testing positive for leukemia, Leahy was enrolled in a clinical trial that used a highly sensitive genetic screening method to monitor her condition more closely. This test revealed that she had stopped responding to chemotherapy, allowing doctors to adjust her treatment plan before a planned stem cell transplant.
The study, published in The Lancet Hematology, found that this advanced test could detect signs of a leukemia relapse up to three months earlier than traditional methods. Researchers say early detection is critical in treating AML, an aggressive blood cancer characterized by the rapid spread of abnormal white blood cells. By identifying relapse sooner, doctors have more time to intervene with alternative treatments before the disease becomes more severe.
The test focuses on mutations in the NPM1 and FLT3 genes, two of the most common genetic markers associated with leukemia in younger adults. It measures minimal residual disease (MRD), which refers to the small number of leukemia cells that can remain in the body after treatment and potentially cause a relapse. Early identification of MRD allows medical teams to act quickly while patients are still in a relatively stable condition.
The clinical trial involved 637 patients in remission who were monitored over a period of three years. Participants either underwent traditional monitoring, including blood work and physical exams, or received the enhanced gene testing. Those who had the genetic monitoring showed a 50% improvement in survival rates compared to those with standard care, underscoring the test’s potential to change treatment outcomes.
Researchers hope this new approach will soon become part of routine care for AML patients worldwide. Dr. Richard Dillon of King’s College London and Dr. Nigel Russell of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust emphasized the importance of this research in offering new hope for those affected by this aggressive cancer. They believe that integrating this test into clinical practice could help prevent emergency relapses and ultimately increase survival rates for patients battling AML.
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