As reported in Science Daily (LINK), scientists from VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered that a combination of MCL-1 therapies, or myeloid leukemia cell-1 therapies, can effectively kill acute myeloid leukemia cells. AML is commonly considered a fatal cancer, and this discovery can change that.
MCL-1s are inhibitors that target a particular gene known as the SRC gene which triggers cell death in AML cells when multiple therapies are used in collaboration. This strategy is designed to prevent MCL-1 from storing in leukemia cells by exposing them to these inhibitors.
At this time, the use of these MCL-1 drugs in combination presents complications to the user’s heart, however several pharmaceutical companies are working on advanced versions of the drugs to decrease that factor. Advancements could lead to the development of clinical trials for AML patients who have exhausted other more traditional treatment options.
Source: Science Daily
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acute myeloid leukemia AML MCL-1 SRC gene
Last modified: March 4, 2025
