A considerable amount of research is being conducted in the diagnosis, treatment and possible prevention of leukemia. Some of the areas being studied include:

• Genetic testing. Cytogenetics is being used to test chromosomes and determine how abnormalities relate to the forms of leukemia. One promising test is known as FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization). This advanced test analyzes specific parts of the chromosome for abnormalities and may improve the detection of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
  
  
  
  Genotyping also is being researched for improving the detection and treatment of leukemia. Researchers have identified genetic variations in DNA that may help predict the effectiveness of chemotherapy with certain forms of leukemia, particularly acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) in children.
  
  
• Chemotherapy drugs and targeted therapies. Researchers continue to study new drugs and drug combinations to effectively treat leukemias. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently granted approval for dasatinib, a new oral treatment for CML. The drug, which is manufactured under the name Sprycel, is intended for patients who no longer respond to or can tolerate imatinib. Other drugs are being studied in clinical trials, especially combinations of targeted therapies with chemotherapy drugs for patients who become resistant to treatment. Another group of targeted therapy drugs, called FLT3 inhibitors, have shown promise in clinical trials for blocing the mutation associated with AML.
  
  
• Biological therapy. These therapies use a patient’s immune system to provoke a response to cancer cells. Several monoclonal antibodies are used to treat different types of leukemia.
  
  
• Scientists are also investigating ways to reduce a patient's risk of developing resistance to chemotherapy drugs in treatment. In addition, they continue to investigate the relationship of chemotherapy drugs used to fight other cancers as a risk factor for leukemia.
  
  
• Stem cell transplantation. Scientists participate in on-going research to advance the success of bone marrow and stem cell transplantation in leukemia patients.
  
  
• Gene therapy. Research to alter the genes that may create or encourage growth of cancer cells. Some researchers are studying oncogenes and ways to inactivate them.
  
  
• Vaccines. Cancer vaccines can take specific cells from a patient and use them to produce a vaccine to provoke an immune response from the cells. Clinical trials are being conducted on vaccines for both chronic and acute forms of leukemia.

There are many clinical trials being conducted around the United States for leukemia treatment. Patients should discuss their options for participating in a clinical trial with their personal physician.