Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Helps Leukemia

Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Helps Leukemia

French researchers have reported that 76% of the 33 subjects in a trial were still leukemia-free two years after being treated with allogeneic stem cells. (In allogeneic stem cell transplants, the cells come from a donor’s blood marrow and not from the patient.) In this study, the transplant took place after the patients were in remission, not while they were in a relapse.

The study concludes, "These data suggest that immunotherapy in the form of a reduced-intensity allogeneic stem cell transplant can be used to eradicate minimal residual disease in patients with AML with acceptable toxicity. Further studies focusing on patients with a high risk of relapse will be necessary to determine the full impact of this approach."

Graft versus host disease is also a factor in relapse; none of the patients with chronic GVHD relapsed, while 44% of the patients without it did.

The study is reported on the Cancer Consultants website and will appear in the November issue of the journal Cancer.

Doyle Vetoes Cloning Ban

Doyle Vetoes Cloning Ban

As expected, Wisconsin governor Jim Doyle vetoed the recently passed legislature which banned both reproductive cloning and the somatic cell nuclear transfer procedure. An AP story in the Duluth News Tribune quoted Doyle as saying, “Respect for human life means you don't turn back on cures that can save human lives.”

Doyle is a supporter of stem cell research, and wants Wisconsin to continue to be a leader in the field. The University of Wisconsin-Madison will be home to the nation’s first stem cell bank. According to the article, the bill did not pass with enough votes in either house to override the veto. Doyle had said from the outset that he would veto it.

The American Diabetes Association issued a release supporting Doyle’s decision.