Development of novel therapy to prevent relapse of chronic myelogenous leukemia

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K15340
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 47060:Clinical pharmacy-related
• Research Institution: The University of Tokushima
• Principal Investigator: YAGI Kenta 徳島大学, 病院, 特任助教 (10869085)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 慢性骨髄性白血病 / 分子標的治療薬 / Bcr-Abl

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we focused on the overcoming drug resistance in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). At first, there are factors that can change the expression of ALDH, one of the action points of focus, such as concomitant drugs, lifestyle, etc. Thus, we showed, using a large medical information database, that the degree of alcohol consumption may affect the therapeutic effect of CML. In addition, Asciminib, a novel Bcr-Abl inhibitor, was approved last year and is expected to play an important role in the treatment of CML in the future. We have been investigating the mechanism of drug resistance in Bcr-Abl inhibitors by using Asciminib, and have identified a novel target that has been suggested to contribute to drug resistance.

Free Research Field

臨床薬理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

Bcr-Abl阻害剤によってCMLの生存期間は大きく延長した。しかし、現状では原則永続的な薬物治療の継続が必要であり、服用中止による再発が課題の１つとなっている。特に若年患者では投与期間が長期に及ぶため、副作用や高額な薬剤費に悩まされる事も多い。そのため、再発の原因メカニズムを解明し、再発を起こさない治療戦略の確立には社会的意義がある。本検討で得られた知見を元にCMLの新規治療法の開発に貢献しうる可能性がある。