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Research
Hypomethylation of the CTGF gene locus is a common feature of paediatric pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukaemiaWe identified consistent hypomethylation of the CTGF locus in primary pre-B ALL specimens regardless of CTGF expression.
Research
Outcomes for Australian children with relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukaemia treated with blinatumomabWe report on the Australian experience of blinatumomab for treatment of 24 children with relapsed/refractory precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL) and high-risk genetics, resulting in a minimal residual disease (MRD) response rate of 58%, 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) of 39% and 2-year overall survival of 63%. In total, 83% (n = 20/24) proceeded to haematopoietic stem cell transplant, directly after blinatumomab (n = 12) or following additional salvage therapy (n = 8).
Research
RUNX2 regulates leukemic cell metabolism and chemotaxis in high-risk T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemiaT cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematologic malignancy with inferior outcome compared with that of B cell ALL. Here, we show that Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) was upregulated in high-risk T-ALL with KMT2A rearrangements (KMT2A-R) or an immature immunophenotype. In KMT2A-R cells, we identified RUNX2 as a direct target of the KMT2A chimeras, where it reciprocally bound the KMT2A promoter, establishing a regulatory feed-forward mechanism.
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Characterization of mesenchymal stem cells in pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemiaComponents of the bone marrow microenvironment (BMM) have been shown to mediate the way in which leukemia develops, progresses and responds to treatment. Increasing evidence shows that leukemic cells hijack the BMM, altering its functioning and establishing leukemia-supportive interactions with stromal and immune cells.
Research
Lessons learnt from influenza vaccination in immunocompromised children undergoing treatment for cancerInfluenza infection contributes substantially to global morbidity and mortality, with children undergoing treatment for cancer among the most vulnerable due to immunosuppression associated with disease and treatment. However, influenza remains one of the most common vaccine-preventable diseases.
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Fusionfinder: A software tool to identify expressed gene fusion candidates from RNA-seq dataThe hallmarks of many haematological malignancies and solid tumours are chromosomal translocations, which may lead to gene fusions.
Research
Novel non-TCR chromosome translocations t(3;11)(q25;p13) and t(X;11)(q25;p13) activating LMO2In T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) cytogenetic alterations juxtapose the LIM-domain-only-2 gene (LMO2) with T-cell receptor loci.
Research
Returning raw genomic data to research participants in a pediatric cancer precision medicine trialIn pediatric cancer precision medicine clinical trials settings, parents proactively seeking treatment and answers to causation may request return of their child's raw data and/or biospecimen. To satisfy such requests, the ZERO Childhood Cancer Program required a guidance document.