Medical Strides In Pediatric Leukemia Therapy

Post date: Jan 30, 2017 7:11:15 AM

Leukemia can be fatal in childhood. With the advancements in science, the medical community is getting closer to diminishing the lethality of the pediatric cancer. These are some recent developments which, if they pass the trial stages, may lead to more effective treatments to combat the disease.

Image source: pinterest.com

Targeted molecular therapy. Scientists at Northwestern University have spent 20 years studying mixed lineage leukemia (MLL)—a rare type of cancer in infants—on a molecular level. They have discovered the chromosomal driver of the cancer, a wild-type MLL gene that produces insufficient amounts of certain proteins. If scientists can successfully produce a stable compound that would displace the mutated cells of the cancer, leukemia could be cured.

Turbocharged artificial intelligence. Treatment for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common cancer among children, involves a combination of drugs. Dosage, however, is tricky because of the toxicity of some drugs that can cause life-threatening infections. The technology developed by bioengineers at UCLA computes accurate ratios of drugs to achieve optimal treatment for children. The machine personalizes combination therapy and provides a groundbreaking solution to the critical problem of safety.

Image source: stbaldricks.org

Ram V. Chary has held leadership roles in several companies in technology, outsourcing, and other strategic divisions. He is also a supporter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the largest of its kind in research and funding. To know more, visit this page.