New Genes Implicated in Development of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

After researchers at Washington University in St. Louis completely sequenced the genome of a woman's acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) tumor, they found eight genes that had not previously been identified as being involved in the development of AML. The genes were found by comparing the genome of the tumor cells and normal cells form the patients skin, and identifying which genes differed. Of these, researchers say that 3 of the genes are tumor suppressors, while the other genes involved have functions that could be linked to the development of leukemia and possibly other cancers.

Identifying new genes that are involved in triggering AML gives researchers a new direction for treatment research and development, testing drugs that affect the specific genes involved. These targeted therapies may work better than conventional treatments, and could prolong survival if they are found to be effective at safe doses.