Targeting specific proteins in AML cancer cells

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is an aggressive type of blood cancer with poor outcomes. Currently only about 25% of people survive for 5 years, so research is needed to find new and better treatments for this disease. Even though some promising new treatments have been developed, treatment for AML haven’t really changed much in the last forty years. It’s really important for researchers to find new and better ways to treat this disease.

In her previous work, Dr Radzisheuskaya and her team tested removing specific proteins from AML cancer cells. When they removed one type of protein these cells died, yet when they removed a different protein, nothing happened. This research highlighted how proteins have different roles in determining whether the AML cancer cells survive. Dr Radzisheuskaya plans to use this knowledge and conduct experiments in the lab to understand these roles better so she can begin to develop more effective treatments that give people with AML a better chance of survival.

If successful, this research could provide a better understanding of the roles of specific proteins in the development of leukaemia. This could ultimately lead to better, more targeted treatments for people with AML in the future.