We are taking an entirely new approach to combatting acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) by targeting cells in the bone marrow that protect cancer cells from the effects of chemotherapy.
ALL is a common childhood cancer and, while the chance of a cure is high, many survivors have long term health problems. With children and adults still dying from this disease, we need to find new ways to cure patients.
ALL cells grow in the bone marrow, where other cell types, called stromal cells, help them grow and protect them from chemotherapy.
Our research focuses on understanding how the ALL cells are supported and protected in the bone marrow. By disrupting the interactions between ALL and stromal cells, we hope to increase responses to chemotherapy and improve the overall survival for patients.