A team of researchers recently examined the link between a favorable gene mutation in some acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients and that gene’s ability to control how much protein it produces. Lower protein levels are beneficial and can make cancer cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy.

Those with the mutation, naturally have lower protein levels.

The team tested a new small molecular inhibitor, which recreates this same mechanism that is present in the mutated genes. This compound was successful in reducing protein levels in AML cancer cells, making these cells more sensitive to chemotherapy treatments.

This research, published in Blood Cancer Journal, is co-authored by Irum Khan, MD, a 2019-20 Leukemia Research Foundation New Investigator Research Award recipient.

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