Genomic Studies in Pediatric AML

Background

Pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the second most common pediatric leukemia. While anthracycline intensification has improved survival, it has also increased the risk for cardiac dysfunction. Currently, Dr. Aplenc's laboratory is working to describe the clinical epidemiology and genetic risk factors for early onset cardiac toxicity using data from Children's Oncology Group clinical trials. While anthracycline and other intensive therapies have been somewhat successful, still only 60% of children with AML will be cured.

Project Goal

Because of this and the success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapies for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the Aplenc lab and other investigators have sought to develop CAR therapies for pediatric AML. To accomplish this, the Aplenc lab has begun proteomic analysis of the pediatric AML cell surfaceome to identify potential therapeutic targets.