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Research and new methods

How leukaemia research works

Because leukaemia is in the blood, samples for research are relatively easy to obtain, which has made it one of the most studied cancers. Many targeted medicines were first used in leukaemia.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A normal blood smear under the microscope: many red blood cells, a few white blood cells and platelets
Figure 1.A normal blood smear under the microscope

01Short answer

Scientists study genes, proteins and cell behaviour in blood and bone marrow samples that patients donate with consent. Leukaemia is rare, so hospitals join international groups and follow a shared protocol to enrol enough participants. In childhood leukaemia, this cooperation has greatly improved results over the decades. Long follow-up also reveals late effects.

02Simple explanation

Samples: with consent.

International groups.

A shared protocol.

Long follow-up.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: many standard leukaemia treatments came from clinical trials, and patients are encouraged to ask about taking part.

NCI: new treatments are tested step by step, from the laboratory to clinical trials; only those proven safe and beneficial become standard care.

04What happens in the body?

Biobank

Storing samples for future research.

DNA
Figure 2.DNA — How leukaemia research works

Cooperative groups

Joint studies across many clinics.

A network of clinics
Figure 3.A network of clinics.

How to read the news

Research news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.

Talk to your doctor

Show your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

05From research news to a conversation: four steps

Read, check, ask, decide together.

Read — From a trusted source.1ReadFrom a trusted source.
Check — Phase, participants, result.2CheckPhase, participants, result.
Ask — Show your doctor.3AskShow your doctor.
Decide — Together, without rushing.4DecideTogether, without rushing.
SourceA trusted site.
DoctorA personal explanation.
SafetyNot changing treatment yourself.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
BiobankStoring samples for future research.
Cooperative groupsJoint studies across many clinics.
How to read the newsResearch news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.
Talk to your doctorShow your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

07Key terms

Biobank
A store of biological samples.
Protocol
The detailed plan of a study.
Clinical trial
Testing a new treatment with volunteers.
Evidence
A result confirmed by reliable research.

08Key points

  • Share.
  • Join up.
  • Follow up.
  • Check the source.
  • Talk to your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

Can my sample be used for research?

Only with your consent; saying no does not affect your care.

Why are results good in children?

Partly thanks to decades of joint research.

Is this advance right for me?

Only your treating doctor can say, based on your diagnosis, stage and condition.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can my sample be used for research?

  2. Why are results good in children?

  3. Is this advance right for me?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  2. National Cancer Institute. Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  3. National Cancer Institute. What Are Clinical Trials?
  4. National Cancer Institute. Phases of Clinical Trials
  5. National Cancer Institute. Using Trusted Resources
  6. Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum. Krebsinformationsdienst
  7. KWF / NFK / IKNL. Kanker.nl
  8. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Drug Development Process
  9. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: preclinical study
  10. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Drug Review Process (continued)
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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