Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer

Mentor: Dr. Kelly Getz

B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is the most common cancer in children. Despite significant improvements in chemotherapy combinations, approximately 20% of children with high-risk B-ALL will fail their treatments. It is now clear that there are different subtypes of ALL with different genetic mutations. These mutations activate and disrupt pathways within the leukemia cells that allows the cells to grow out of control.

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most life-threatening form of leukemia requiring the most intensive treatment. While advances in its treatment have improved survival, chemotherapy exposure results in significant side effects. One type of drug, anthracyclines, increases the risk for heart complications.