Acute myeloid leukaemia
Lead researcher: Dr. Jordi Esteve
Clinical research into acute myeloid leukaemia
Acute myeloid leukaemia is a complex and heterogeneous disease which, according to traditional classification (FAB), has at least eight subtypes. Dr. Jordi Esteve's team is analysing current treatments for this type of leukaemia in an effort to find prognosis factors and to personalise treatment.
At the present time, the main treatments for this disease are chemotherapy and, if necessary, a bone marrow transplant from a compatible donor.
Dr. Jordi Esteve's team is also studying biological variables in order to observe mutations in certain genes. The vast majority of mutations are acquired during the course of a lifetime and the disease is, consequently, rare amongst children. The analysis of the genetic characteristics of the disease aims to provide answers to such questions as whether a patient might respond better or worse to chemotherapy and whether a patient is likely to suffer a relapse.
Dr. Jordi Esteve's team is also carrying out research in the field of non-coding genes (which account for 90% of the genome).
Why do we need to investigate?
The aim of the research by Dr. Esteve's team is to try to personalise treatment for every patient. What is needed to achieve this is research into new drugs and a re-evaluation of drugs that are indicated for other diseases in order to find the right therapeutic target for each patient.
The impact of our work
With this line of research the team is aiming to personalise treatment for patients and thereby be more precise and effective in confronting this disease, which is a very aggressive variant responsible for40%of all leukaemias in the Western world.
Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute Dossier
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