Molecular Characterisation of Relapse-Initiating Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia Cells for Targeted Therapy

Start year: 2024

Summary: Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer and a leading cause of death in children. While risk-based chemotherapy has improved outcomes, relapse drops survival rates to below 30%. The key predictor of long-term success is minimal residual disease (MRD) after treatment, which is linked to chemotherapy resistance. Studying MRD cells has been challenging due to their rarity, but single-cell multiomics now offers insights. Early findings show a resistance signature in MRD cells, and further analysis using patient-derived mouse models aims to identify genetic vulnerabilities to improve treatment and prevent relapse in ALL.

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.