|  |  |  | | | | Cardiff researchers fight leukaemia | | | | |
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University of Wales researchers are now working to help those battling the most common form of leukaemia in the UK, thanks to a new grant from leading blood cancer charity, Leukaemia Research.
The researchers, based at the College of Medicine in Cardiff, are carrying out research into chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, (CLL) a type of blood cancer that affects 2,750 people every year in the UK.
The research team is focusing on a protein that switches genes on or off in leukaemia cells. They are hoping to learn more about how the amount of this protein can affect those battling against CLL. Dr Chris Pepper, a scientist working on the project, explained: “There is some evidence that the higher the protein levels in the cells, the more aggressive the cancer. Thanks to the grant we can now research this idea more thoroughly.”
If evidence of a link is found, researchers hope this could be used to predict the best course of treatment for patients diagnosed with this type of leukaemia.
The research is also focusing on the exact nature of the relationship between the level of protein and the cancer. Dr Pepper said: “We are keen to see if high protein levels can not only indicate the aggressiveness of the cancer but also help us to identify patients who require early treatment. We are planning to block the protein production to see if this will slow down the progress of the cancer.”
Leukaemia Research has pledged over £200,000 to fund the team’s work in until 2009.
Dr David Grant, Scientific Director at Leukaemia Research said: “CLL is the most common form of leukaemia. This research will help identify patients who require early treatment to give them the best possible chance of survival.”
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