UK’s first childhood leukaemia Cell Bank goes live

Leukaemia Research funded scientists have opened the UK’s first ever childhood leukaemia 'Cell Bank’ of genetic material, meaning scientists studying blood cancer in children can now select samples of DNA or cells for research online in a virtual lab.

[ClickPress, Fri Jun 15 2007] Leukaemia Research funded scientists have opened the UK’s first ever childhood leukaemia 'Cell Bank’ of genetic material, meaning scientists studying blood cancer in children can now select samples of DNA or cells for research online in a virtual lab.

The Bank, based on four sites in Bristol, Sheffield, Glasgow and London, stores leukaemia cells from children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) who are being treated in the current UK clinical trial. The trial includes a new test, the MRD (minimal residual disease) test, to see precisely how a child with leukaemia is progressing through treatment. The test enables doctors to identify how patients are responding to chemotherapy, so they can tailor treatment to each individual.

Over 400 samples of blood and bone marrow from children with leukaemia are currently being collected every year.

Dr David Grant, Scientific Director at Leukaemia Research, said: “Our Cell Bank is the largest resource of its kind in the UK, and probably the world. As our researchers continue to collect samples, the resource will be increasingly central to discovering the unique ‘genetic signatures’ of different types of leukaemia, enabling more patient- specific treatment options beyond the current ‘one size fits all’ approaches.

“It’s all about the numbers game. It is crucial to collect as many samples as possible so researchers know what they are studying is a real trend and not just a random observation based on a few samples. In the past, researchers would only have access to the few local samples from their clinic – now there is much wider ‘catchment’ for the gathering of crucial genetic data.”

Researchers can log on to the Cell Bank website and see what samples are available, based on the main genetic changes found in the cells. Once they have got funding from a research body they will be sent the samples they require to study. The Bank is policed very closely to comply with the Human Tissue Act 2004.

Dr Grant added: “The Cell Bank is already proving very influential on similar initiatives in Europe and worldwide. There is a current air of cooperation in the field of child blood cancer, as we strive to achieve 100% cure for minimum damage to the young body as a result of treatment with anti-cancer drugs.”

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12 June 2007

For further information, please contact Gary Hartley at Leukaemia Research Press Office on 020 7269 9019.

Notes for Editors:

1. Every year, 500 children are diagnosed with leukaemia in the UK.

2. The idea of the MRD test, from which Cell Bank samples are taken, was initiated by Dr Nick Goulden and the late Professor Tony Oakhill 20 years ago. Leukaemia Research has supported it with investment from the beginning. The original research was carried out in Bristol University; it has now progressed to hospitals throughout the UK. The first clinical trial in the UK to include the MRD test began in 2003. Every year samples from over 400 children at hospitals throughout the UK are analysed at four specialist centres in Bristol, Sheffield, Glasgow and London. The trial will finish in 2009 but is already showing promising results. Each test costs £600 and Leukaemia Research has committed over £3,700,000 to the trial.

3. A four-part TV documentary to which Leukaemia Research has contributed is broadcast on BBC1 on Tuesdays from 12 June to 3 July at 10.35pm. The series follows nine children as they fight their leukaemia with treatment, which includes the MRD test. More information is available from www.lrf.org.uk/children

4. Over the next five years, Leukaemia Research urgently needs to raise over £100million to commit to new research. From basic laboratory research to clinical trials with patients, Leukaemia Research is committed to saving lives by funding high quality, carefully selected research throughout the UK.

5. Leukaemia Research is the only national charity devoted exclusively to improving treatments, finding cures and learning how to prevent leukaemia, Hodgkin's lymphoma and other lymphomas, myeloma and the related blood disorders, diagnosed in 24,500 people in the UK every year. Further information, including patient information booklets, is available from www.lrf.org.uk or call 020 7405 0101

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