Oncogenes

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" In studies of CML, gene therapy researchers are trying to modify an oncogene

(BCR-ABL) that produces a protein that stimulates malignant cell growth. An

alternative strategy called molecular-targeted drug development targets the

oncoprotein. Two new and potentially important approaches include a) the

application of RNA interference; a modality that uses molecules of RNA to

silence complementary (DNA) genes; and c) aptamer treatment, a technique that

prepares small molecules in the laboratory that have the ability to inactivate

proteins that cause disease. If the gene in the former case is an oncogene or

the protein in the latter case is an oncoprotein, new forms of cancer therapy

may be developed. "

Statistics are from The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Facts 2008-2009.

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Expert Commentery from Medscape:

Chronic myelogenous leukemia is one of the most intensively studied cancers. The

current range of treatments either available or in development for CML reflect a

detailed knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying this disease. This,

coupled with the availability of molecular monitoring, enables clinicians to

have an excellent understanding of their patient's disease and treatment

responses. Imatinib is a highly effective therapy that demonstrates the

potential for targeted agents in other indications. In patients who have failed

imatinib, dasatinib is associated with durable treatment responses in patients

with all phases of CML.

Copied from Medscape, you can find more on the subject:

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/568945_7

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Five-year View

A variety of agents are in clinical development for CML, and results from

several clinical trials should become available over the next few years. Owing

to the multiple mechanisms of imatinib resistance and differences in CML biology

in different phases of disease, the best therapeutic option post imatinib

failure may be a complex decision that accounts for multiple patient

characteristics. Data from studies of combination treatment may complicate

matters further. In addition to trials in patients who have failed imatinib

therapy, data from large-scale trials of new agents administered as first-line

therapy should become available. Although initial responses are encouraging in

this context, any replacement for imatinib would need to demonstrate a

significant advantage as part of a head-to-head trial. Overall, it is clear that

treatment options in CML will continue to expand during the next few years, and

physicians will have additional treatment options available to treat patients

failing current therapies.

Copied from Medscape:

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/568945_8

FYI,

Lottie