Australian researchers claim breakthrough against leukaemia

by Rich Bowden - Aug 6 2008, 00:06

Medical researchers in Australia are this week claiming two important breakthroughs in the battle against leukaemia, which may lead to the development of a cure by as early as 2013.

The team from Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) in the Queensland state capital of Brisbane have discovered a method that will keep chroniclymphocytic leukaemia cells alive outside the body, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is reporting.

According to the report, the scientists, led by PAH director of haematology Professor Devinder Gill, have been successful in finding two "growth factors" that assist in keeping the cancer cells alive. The next stage will be to find a way to block these, killing the cancer cells.

The cancer occurs in the blood or bone marrow and is characterised by an abnormal proliferation of blood cells in the body. According to statistics released by the American Cancer Society in 2004, some 33,440 new cases of leukaemia were diagnosed in the United States during that year alone.

The PAH team has said trial treatment using the breakthrough discoveries should be available within five years.

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