Research Shows Blocking STAT3 in AML May Lead to Regression of Leukemia

Marcin Kortylewski, PhD, a professor in the Department of Immuno-Oncology at the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, discusses observations regarding research on blocking STAT3 in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells.

AML has 1 of the highest unmet needs for new therapies in the context of all human cancers, according to Kortylewski. Because of this, a molecule targeting STAT3 in AML cells was developed.

Findings revealed encouraging initial results as blocking STAT3 in AML cells led to rapid regression of the leukemia. This regression was not caused directly by the cytotoxic effect on leukemia cells, but by immune mediated circulating tumor DNA responses.

The extent of integration by key cells into leukemic cells in different organs, especially in the spleen and bone marrow, was also highlighted in the study as it led to regression of leukemia.

Transcription:

0:08 | What we observed and what was very encouraging in these initial results that we have already reported before are blocking STAT3 in acute myeloid leukemia cells, specifically in the model that we use, which is inversion(16) leukemia, CBFB-MYH11-positive leukemia, leads to very rapid regression of the leukemia, and this regression is caused not by direct cytotoxic effect on leukemia cells, but by immune mediated circulating tumor [ct]DNA responses.

0:46 | We also show some convincing data in this poster illustrating the extent of integration by key cells into leukemic cells in different organs, especially in the spleen and bone marrow. That leads to regression of completely rational leukemia in the majority of treated mice, which was very encouraging.