7G3 and Leukemia

According to a recent study, a new targeted therapy has successfully cured acute myeloid leukemia or AML. Till recent times, this disease was considered to be resistant towards all possible treatments.

The therapy was initially conducted on mice. The researchers created an antibody called 7G3 and placed it into the mice. This antibody identifies and binds CD123. CD123 in turn is expressed at high levels in leukemia stem cells (LSCs), but not in any normal blood cell. LSCs can be defined as the cells causing AML and are known for its long-term growth.

When the researchers transplanted the AML LSCs from the human bodies into the bodies of the mice, the ones with 7G3 applied on them survived for a longer duration. The ones who did not get the antibody showed different reverse results. Therefore, the researchers came to a conclusion that 7G3 successfully blocked the signaling pathway of tumor cells and made the patient’s immune system ready for fighting and destroying the AML LSCs.

This has really brought in revolution in the medical world. The cancer stem cells are reacting positively with the application of 7G3. The researchers are supporting the applicability of this therapy in humans. At the same time, it also supports the relative resistance to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy.