Acute leukaemias (AL) are the first cause of cancer in children, with a majority of B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Some of the processes causing leukemogenesis are already identified and well characterized in some AL subtypes such as translocation t (12; 21) of good prognosis in ALL. However, translocations are not sufficient to explain all the different processes of leukemogenesis, and other processes such as genetic / epigenetic mutations leading to oncogene activation / inhibition of tumor suppressor genes are the object research. Among the latter, mutations in tumor suppressor genes such as DCC (Deleted in Colorectal Cancer) have recently been identified in solid cancers, such as in hemopathies. This gene was subsequently characterized as encoding a "dependence receptor" specifically binding to its Netrin-1 ligand. Dependence receptors (RDs) are transmembrane receptors that cause cell death in the absence of their ligand. RD decreases tumor progression and overexpression of their ligands is observed in many cancers, such as B lymphomatous hemopathies in adults. Inhibition of the RD-ligand interaction constitutes a new and original therapeutic target in oncology. The aim of this study is to investigate whether RDs, in particular DCC, are expressed in acute leukemia cells at the time of diagnosis or relapse in patients aged 1 to 18 years, and then in these patients at the time of the remission balance. This research will be both qualitative and quantitative.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
30
Patients treated at the Institute of Hematology and Pediatric Oncology (IHOPe), a department of Prof. Y. Bertrand, for acute leukemia (LA) at the time of diagnosis initial, or relapse, after obtaining signed parental consent. The same patients will benefit from a new sample at the time of their remission balance. Analyses for this research will be made from bone marrow aspiration samples performed for diagnosis and treatment of these patients. The medical team will investigate whether RDs, in particular DCC, are expressed in acute leukemia cells at the time of diagnosis or relapse and then in these patients at the time of the remission balance. This research will be both qualitative and quantitative. Next, investigators will characterize the existence and then the level of expression of the ligand specific for DCC, Netrin-1, in these same leukemic cells, at the time of diagnosis / relapse and remission.
Institut d'Hématologie et d'Oncologie Pédiatrique
Lyon, France
Detection of specific labeling of the DCC-dependent receptor on the surface of leukemic cells
Primary endpoint: presence of specific labeling of the DCC-dependent receptor on the surface of leukemic cells that will be detectable in flow cytometry. This marking will be both qualitative (positive signal = presence of the receptor, absence of signal = absence of the receptor), and quantitative (percentage of expression of the receptor on the surface of the cells).
Time frame: Maximum 4 months (sampling at the time of diagnosis / relapse and remission)
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.