Alex Kentsis, MD, PhD
Blockade of autocrine signaling for curative therapy of acute myeloid leukemia
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a blood cancer that frequently affects both children and adults. Current treatment of AML with chemotherapy is toxic, and new therapies are direly needed for patients whose disease is resistant to intensive chemotherapy. Our research into molecular signaling pathways that drive leukemia cell survival has revealed a new set of therapeutic targets based on requirements of autocrine signaling. The support of Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation will enable us to precisely define autocrine signaling that sustains AML cell growth and develop new treatments for its blockade to effect cure.