A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has found that a new drug may be effective in treating a rare form of leukemia.
The drug, known as Venclexta, was tested on patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who had a specific genetic mutation. The results showed that the drug was able to effectively target and kill cancer cells in these patients.
CLL is a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells and is typically slow-growing. However, in patients with the genetic mutation, the cancer can become more aggressive and difficult to treat.
According to the lead researcher, Dr. Jennifer Brown, the results of this study are promising and could potentially change the standard of care for CLL patients with the genetic mutation. She also noted that the drug was well-tolerated by patients, with minimal side effects.
Venclexta works by blocking a protein that helps cancer cells survive. This protein, known as BCL-2, is found in high levels in CLL patients with the genetic mutation. By targeting this protein, the drug is able to effectively kill cancer cells while sparing healthy cells.
The study, which was funded by the drug’s manufacturer, AbbVie, was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. It involved 389 patients from 109 medical centers around the world.
While the results are promising, further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of Venclexta in treating CLL. The drug is currently only approved for use in patients with the genetic mutation, but researchers are hopeful that it could also be effective in other types of cancer.
This breakthrough in cancer treatment is a testament to the importance of ongoing research and development in the medical field. It offers hope to patients with rare forms of leukemia and could potentially lead to more effective treatments for other types of cancer as well.
